US Apple: Media - News Releases: Industry News 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 17, 2005

For more information, contact:
Shannon Schaffer, sschaffer@usapple.org

USDA Secretary Promises Action on New EU Plant Health Directive

Vienna, VA - USDA Secretary Mike Johanns today questioned the scientific basis of a new European Union regulation which would create new trade barriers for U.S. apples. Johanns told a Congressional subcommittee that he shares their concerns and the Department is actively "engaging with the EU" to resolve the matter before the April 1 implementation.

The EU Plant Health Directive would require 100% inspection of U.S. apples and several other commodities entering the EU markets. However, nations competing with the U.S., including Chile, China and New Zealand, have received waivers allowing for reduced inspections on their produce.

Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) questioned Johanns about what action USDA was taking to eliminate this unfair trade barrier. Hinchey explained that fruit and vegetables of U.S. origin, including apples, have been deemed a low risk for pests and diseases, but would be inspected at a rate of nearly 100%. Produce originating from countries such as Chile and China would be inspected at a rate of 10%-50%.

Johanns agreed that the new requirements "did not make any sense" to him and questioned the scientific basis of the new requirement. He promised to continue working to resolve the issue.

"The commitment of the Bush Administration is critical to the resolution of this unfair trade barrier," said USApple President and CEO Nancy Foster. "The U.S. has an abundant crop of excellent quality apples that deserve fair and equal access into the EU."

The EU is a critical market for U.S. apples, with 1.7 million bushels shipped in 2003 valued at more than $24 million. The April 1 start date for these inspections coincides with the peak marketing season for Chile and New Zealand and other southern hemisphere apple producing nations.

The U.S. apple industry previously wrote USDA and urged them to work with the EU toward the "prompt removal" of this new trade barrier.

Note: The text of this release can be downloaded from the News Releases section of USApple's Media Web site, at http://www.usapple.org/media/newsreleases/index.cfm.

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.