Peru's asparagus export sector is working on a crucial process to improve access to the United States market. Vilma Gutarra, head of Peru's National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa), and her technical team have been meeting with representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) to coordinate strategic actions to improve access of Peruvian asparagus to this market, via a systems approach.
The Peruvian Institute of Asparagus and Vegetables (IPEH) highlighted the importance of the meetings to implement and have US authorities validate the systems approach. This approach would allow Peruvian asparagus to have a longer post-harvest life and reduce export operating costs. Currently, asparagus for export is subjected to a fumigation treatment that exposes it to high temperatures, interrupting the cold chain and reducing its shelf life.
According to the IPEH, adopting this systems approach would enhance the competitiveness of Peruvian asparagus. Replacing fumigation with mitigation measures applied at source would improve the quality of the product and its position in the US market. This change aligns with best agricultural practices, promoting sustainability and adaptation to climate change.
Source: agraria.pe