In 2004, the avocado producing sector began the process to seek the opening of the United States market.
A series of expectations are maintained by the producers and marketers of fresh Hass avocado, given the advances in the process to export the fruit to the United States, which is why this is the main topic of the IV National Avocado Congress, organized by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters ( Agexport).
Since last March 27, when the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), attached to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), published the “Pest Risk Assessment - Importation of Hass avocado from Guatemala to the United States for consumption”, producers and exporters are updated in production techniques and compliance with requirements to meet the demand of that market in the short term.
This will mean that Guatemalan producers can export fresh avocado, with the proper inspections, certifications and phytosanitary controls required by the United States in terms of pest management and avoiding diseases that may enter that country.
Although there is no specific deadline, producers hope that it could be at the end of 2024 or the first months of 2025, when APHIS and USDA announce the corresponding notification or resolution.
The authorization for the entry of a specific product into a foreign market is known as admissibility.
SECTOR POTENTIAL
Marco Quilo, president of the organizing committee of the aforementioned congress, pointed out that the United States is the market that imports the most Hass avocado worldwide, and it is expected that the volume will triple in the coming years.
“This event is a contribution to conclude the admissibility to the United States and thus be able to ship the fruit to the different purchasing channels,” he explained.
Authorities from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food and representatives of the diplomatic corps participated in the event, who toured an exhibition room.
This is the formula for Guatemala to double the value of its agroindustrial exports
The executive stated that, in relation to the above, a working group was created to address the different APHIS requirements before and during the admissibility notification process, as well as prepare pest mitigation measures after confirmation of the entry of avocado.
“The admissibility will allow the expansion of cultivation areas and generate employment to reduce migration to the United States. In addition, it will open opportunities for small and medium-sized fruit producers who wish to market their products, but to do so they must comply with the phytosanitary requirements established in the official document," it was indicated.
Exports of fresh avocado from Guatemala totaled US$16 million in 2023 and are normally directed to Europe, but could be redirected to the United States, due to its proximity and the cost of freight, some exporters stated.
“Avocado exports continue to grow. In March 2024, we exported 28% more compared to March 2023. Producers, exporters, suppliers and logistics services will continue to work and continually improve to satisfy the markets in which we are already positioned, such as: Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua and Canada,” Quilo concluded.
