Chilean Table grapes to be soon shipped to the US without methyl bromide fumigation

With this new resolution, after years of negotiations, the US could finally agree Table grape without the need of methyl bromide fumigation, which was part of the Grape protocol.

Very soon, the fruit grown in Atacama and other regions free of Lobesia botrana could be imported under a systems approach. This would substitute fumigation, which is detrimental to fruit quality and increases the cost of exports, following the inspection protocol.

The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), said the resolution came after a successful visit by USDA-APHIS inspectors to Chile in January 2018 to monitor the programme to control Lobesia botrana, which is overseen by SAG.

Fernando Sat, chairman of the Chilean Table Grape Committee, marked out the development as very positive for the sector, stating that “This is a great step in ensuring higher quality grapes are sent to the US and will improve our position in a highly competitive market”