José Manuel Fernandes confirmed the resolution of exporting lemons from Portugal to Brazil following the publication of a decree addressing phytosanitary conditions. The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries emphasized the need to initiate processes towards this goal, noting that previous lack of defined standards had hindered exports. The recent developments occurred during the XIV Luso-Brazilian Summit in Brazil on February 19-20.
The ordinance, dated February 20, outlines the phytosanitary requirements for importing fresh lemons from Portugal. It mandates that lemon shipments to Brazil include a phytosanitary certificate from Portugal's National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), with a declaration confirming the absence of specified pests and diseases.
Fernandes highlighted Brazil's demand for lemons and the potential benefits for Portuguese producers. The ordinance specifies that shipments undergo inspection at entry points, with samples collected for analysis in official or accredited laboratories. It further states that if a quarantine pest is intercepted, the shipment will be destroyed or rejected. In such cases, Portugal's NPPO will be notified, and Brazil may suspend imports pending a Pest Risk Analysis review.
Source: The Portugal News