In a development for agricultural trade, South Korean and U.S. quarantine authorities have finalized an agreement on the export of fresh ginseng to the United States and the import of Texas grapefruit to South Korea, as announced by the government. The negotiations, spanning several years, now allow the entry of fresh ginseng into the U.S. market, a departure from the previous limitation to processed ginseng products.
For export, fresh ginseng must come from plantations registered with the Korea Quarantine Center, adhering to strict export quarantine protocols, including fungal disease management, thorough screenings at export shipyards, and a final inspection by the Korea Quarantine Center. Discussions initiated in 2017 with U.S. counterparts focused on fresh ginseng shipments from designated areas, aiming to meet all phytosanitary standards.
Additionally, negotiations for Texas grapefruit imports started in 2019, with an agreement on disease and insect control measures reached in March, introducing this citrus fruit to South Korean markets. This agreement signifies a step forward in agricultural trade relations between South Korea and the U.S., aiming to diversify markets and offer consumers a wider selection of produce.
Source: koreabizwire.com