Since the introduction of the Russian embargo against agricultural products from the European Union in 2014, the EU has been keen to find new markets. The request to simplify market access to the US for European pome fruits has been pending since 2007. On January 15 the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it will be publishing in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would allow the importation of fresh apple and pear fruit from eight European Union member countries — Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands.
A joint statement by the EU health, trade and agricultural commissioners welcomed the publication by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of draft measures to be taken by EU growers and other authorities that it said were "a necessary step".
"Opening the market for the 2016 harvest, i.e. by September 2016, could be feasible, if all parties continue their efforts," the statement said.
It estimated the projected value of exports to the United States at around 10 million Euro ($11 million), or a 0.5 percent market share, which it said was modest but would be "a welcome relief to a sector under severe strain".
"It is a welcome reflection of the increased level of engagement by the Commission with the US administration. It will be of significant benefit to European farmers, many of whom lost their main export markets overnight as a result of Russian sanctions imposed in 2014. The eventual opening of the US market will not offset the full impact of the sanctions, but it will certainly help the farming community by at least providing another commercial outlet for their produce."
The Commission has been increasing levels of engagement with the US administration at the highest level to solve this problem – an engagement which is now showing concrete results. On a technical, phytosanitary level the EU and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreed a specific protocol of measures to be taken by growers and competent authorities in the EU Member States. The draft rule, which will be published for public consultation, represents the next step.
But the publisher of the “World Apple Report” said that while he understands the move, he has serious reservations.
"APHIS appears to be acting responsibly in saying that apples from these eight countries may be imported if it is justified by sound science and adequate risk analysis, and if fairly rigorous protocols are followed in orchards, packing houses and exporting,” said Desmond O’Rourke of Pullman, WA.
“However, it ignores the 50 years of discrimination against U.S. pome fruit exports to Europe under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and more recent EU food safety and environmental rulings. Before APHIS opens the door to European fruit, the U.S. government should put pressure on the EU to reverse 50 years of discrimination against U.S. pome fruit exports,” concluded O'Rourke.
