Thailand is advancing its policies to guarantee the safety and quality of fruits and vegetables for both domestic use and international markets, as stated by the Department of Agricultural Extension. The Agricultural Research and Development Office, Region 6, in Chanthaburi, convened a meeting for longan packers in the eastern part of the country.
The focus of the meeting was on the necessity for exports to comply with the quality and safety standards of the importing nations, to ensure the sustainability of the longan market, according to department director-general Rapeepat Chantarasriwong.
In eastern Thailand, 103 longan packing houses across three provinces are registered with the department, capable of meeting China's export criteria for 2024: Chanthaburi (100), Sa Kaeo (2), and Rayong (1). China has heightened its scrutiny on pest and pesticide residue inspections for imported longan. The Chinese Agricultural Consultant Office in Beijing highlighted that Thai packing houses and fruit orchards are under monthly surveillance through video conferences by Chinese authorities.
The department has prompted farmers and packing house operators to rigorously follow these regulations to avoid any suspension of longan imports from Thailand. During the 2024-25 longan export season (July–October), the Eastern region shipped 2,215 containers (54,738.73 tons) of fresh longan, with a total value of 2.42 billion baht (70 407 165 US$).
The Chanthaburi Plant Quarantine Station is responsible for conducting pest inspections at the packing houses to issue phytosanitary certificates. The packing houses are required to demonstrate that the products have been treated with sulfur dioxide gas and adhere to the established standards. Depending on previous pest detection alerts, a variable percentage of the product quantity in the containers is subject to random pest inspections.
Packing house operators have shown commitment and diligence in adhering to these guidelines, acknowledging the critical role of preventing pest issues to avoid negative impacts on exports and potential damage to the products. Exports are anticipated to significantly increase from mid-November to January 2025.
Source: The Nation