USDA opens new market for U.S. avocados

11/08/2000-The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Chile will allow the importation of California avocados, a potential $2 million boost to the industry. Chile agreed to accept California avocados based upon a Chilean agriculture resolution titled "Establishing the Requirements for the Import of Avocados from the State of California." The declaration requires that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) phytosanitary certificates indicate that the fruit does not come from areas of California regulated by APHIS due to the presence of exotic fruit flies. In addition, they must verify that the shipment is free of pests. This rule was published Sept. 29 in Chile and will be effective 60 days from that date.