Moroccan raspberry producers have received the green light from the US health and agricultural authorities to export their output to the American market which has grown significantly over the past few years. The announcement has just been made by Morocco's food safety agency (ONSSA).
Moroccan raspberries secured access to the American market after extensive negotiations with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Agriculture Department, ONSSA said.
After harvesting the ripe fruit, it needs to be packed in plastic containers authorized by ONSSA. The US regulations also require that the Moroccan raspberries be accompanied with phytosanitary certificate issued by the national food safety agency, affirming that the commodity is conform with the US rules.
The opening of the American raspberry market to Moroccan producers will bolster the Kingdom's exports of red fruits, a sector which is gaining momentum thanks to the "Green Morocco" plan, which seeks to make of agriculture a main growth engine.
The North African Kingdom exports annually more than 140,000 tons of red fruits to over 40 countries, including those of the European Union.
Raspberries contain different vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the body. Some of the health benefits associated with Raspberry include brain power, heart health, diabetes management, digestion and detox, healthy eyes, obesity management among others.
