The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) confirmed that, after several years of negotiations, the Canadian market has opened its doors to Spanish strawberries, which may be exported this season.
Freshuelva's request to export strawberries to Canada included a dossier they compiled with the Frutas Borja Sl company, based in Almonte, of the contacts they already had with Canadian importers that are very interested in Huelva's strawberries and berries.
After analyzing the information provided by Spain to carry out the Pest Risk Analysis for strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) determined that Spanish exporters could make shipments of this fruit presenting a phytosanitary certificate and no additional declaration; a requirement that was accepted by the Spanish Government.
The CFIA will initiate the process of authorizing product imports, which will begin with an import trial period during which 100% of the Spanish strawberry shipments will be subjected to physical inspections upon arrival in Canada.
The manager of Freshuelva, Rafael Dominguez, said that one of the main lines of work of the association was opening new markets for Huelva's berry production to continue growing. However, he said, this growth has to go hand in hand with new ways of marketing and transporting the products.
Strawberry is the most important crop in the province of Huelva. Last season, Huelva produced more than 250,000 tons of strawberries, more than 80% of which was exported abroad. Huelva's strawberry has faced strong competition from Morocco and Turkey, as well as from its main importers, Germany, France, and Italy during the final stage of Huelva's campaign. As a result, producers have had to end the campaign in May for a few years.
A market the size of Canada could absorb a significant quantity of Spanish strawberries. Spain now has to design a commercial route that favors the quick arrival of the fruit to its destination, maintaining its best quality and flavor.
These negotiations are part of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement signed in 2017 by the European Union and Canada, which will now start addressing the conditions to also start marketing blueberries.
For more information:
Freshuelva
www.freshuelva.es