Progress in negotiations for access of Colombian passion flowers and cape gooseberry in the U.S

Last week, representatives of the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (Aphis), the US phytosanitary authority, held a meeting and visited production sites of passion flowers, including granadilla, curuba, gulupa, maracuya, cape gooseberries, and blueberries. The objective was to discuss phytosanitary requirements for obtaining access to the U.S. market. The meeting also aimed to update the requirements for fresh cape gooseberries. 

Juan Fernando Roa, the general manager of ICA, commented that their progress with Aphis is geared towards defining strategies that ensure risk mitigation and the protection of their exports, in order to make the most of their commerce with the U.S., their primary trading partner. 

It is anticipated that the work plan renewal for exporting fresh papaya and improving access conditions for blueberries, Hass avocados, and dragon fruits to the U.S. will move forward. ICA is working towards providing more market opportunities to small and medium-sized producers, who are the main growers of these fruits in the country.