U.S. to Allow Citrus Imports From Argentina

The United States has approved imports of Argentine citrus after two years of bilateral negotiations and strong opposition from farmers in California. As of 2002 the fruit will be able to make its way into the producing states of California, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona and Hawaii and the surrounding states, Argentine agriculture attache Jose Molina said. Argentine citrus exports including the world’s biggest lemon crop and some grapefruit were banned from the U.S. on the basis of “cancrosis” disease, a highly contagious citrus canker that can produce defoliated crops, blemished fruit, reduced quality and induce premature fruit drop. California farmers seized on the issue and kept extending the comment period accompanying the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 1998 decision to give the green light to Argentine imports. California producers satisfy 70% of domestic demand, but U.S. consumers represent a $30-million export market for Argentina’s citrus pickers.