It is almost a year since the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States (APHIS) announced the suspension of imports of Spanish peppers to mitigate the risk of the entry of exotic pests and diseases. The reason was the detection of Mediterranean fruit fly in a shipment of Almeria peppers.
At this time, with a new season starting in Almeria, some producers, including those who had already exported to the United States before the suspension, are preparing their farms to meet the latest requirements set in the US protocol for the export of peppers. The sector is practically ready to export, pending the entry into production of suitable varieties and the reopening of the market by US authorities, which could be imminent.
When the United States closed the market, they were paying good prices for the peppers, above those paid in the rest of Europe, even though the costs are also higher, and a very good campaign was expected during the months of January and February. Almeria exporters are confident they will be able to export again in this new campaign.
