The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina has reported that the first shipment of Argentine organic citrus, exported with certification from the National Agri-Food Health Service (Senasa), entered the European Union after the reopening of that market last May.
The head of the national agricultural portfolio, Juan José Bahillo, said "We were able to reopen this important market after many years of management. Now we have to continue boosting exports because they are a source of foreign exchange, employment, and stability for the entire Argentine interior." The cargo that was shipped from the port of Buenos Aires and arrived at its destination consisted of 60.5 tons of lemons.
Re-Opening
Last May, after 20 years, the EU reopened its market to organic citrus fruits from Argentina after accepting Senasa's proposal to use sodium bicarbonate as a post-harvest treatment for shipments of organic citrus fruits, a product that had already been authorized by the General Directorate of Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) of the EU as a disinfection treatment against citrus canker (Xantomonas citri pv citri).
Argentina could not export organic citrus to the EU because it lacked post-harvest treatments that were authorized for organic production by DG AGRI authorities.
SENASA's proposal is based on its Resolution 374/16, which regulates the certification of the production, processing, and marketing of organic products in the country.
The measure taken by the European government will have a positive effect on the cultivation of organic citrus in Argentina, which today devotes 3,342 hectares to organic production, an activity that promotes the development of regional economies.
Between 2001 and 2003, Senasa certified 2,500 tons of organic citrus (mainly oranges and lemons) for shipment to the EU.
Source: argentina.gob.ar