China is expected to reopen its doors to U.S. citrus exports in 2014, following successful negotiations between the two nations in Xiamen, as reported by Americafruit.
California Citrus Mutual president Joel Nelsen accompanied U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) personnel for the bilateral talks, held with China’s Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection, Americafruit reported.
During the 3-day process, citrus boundaries were discussed and citrus access was finalized in a written agreement. Nelsen said the written agreement mirrors a verbal commitment reached by USDA, in consultation with the California citrus industry, Americafruit reported. The agreement is awaiting sign-off by senior members of both the U.S. and Chinese governments.
According to USDA, China banned California citrus imports on April 18, 2013, due to concerns over Phytophthora syringae, a prohibited quarantine pest stipulated by the Chinese regulations.
