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Mexico Takes Phytosanitary Actions to Strengthen Asparagus Farming by FreshPlaza

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Mexico Takes Phytosanitary Actions to Strengthen Asparagus Farming

Asparagus growers must strengthen measures against pests with low incidence of the crop, such as fall armyworm, which is one of the main threats to world agriculture

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria | 11 de junio de 2024

Mexico remains alert to any health emergency, such as in asparagus production Mexico remains alert to any health emergency, such as in asparagus production

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and national asparagus producers agreed to join efforts to strengthen sanitary measures for this crop against pests with a low risk of incidence, but which are highly destructive to other vegetables, such as fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) specifies that the fall armyworm is one of the main threats to world agriculture, since, although the vast majority prefer to feed on corn, it can also feed on 80 other crops, including asparagus.

The head director of the National Agro-alimentary Health, Safety and Quality Service (Senasica), Javier Calderón Elizalde, met virtually with producers, importers, exporters and representatives of the Mexican embassies in Spain, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, who presented the measures applied by the European Union (EU) to prevent the spread of the pest in their territory.

The fall armyworm is an endemic insect of the Americas and exceptionally poses risks to crops other than basic crops, which is why the Mexican health authority has been responding for years to FAO’s call to coordinate efforts in the global fight against this pest.

Mexico adheres to the international phytosanitary norms, so the General Head Office of Plant Health of Senasica remains alert to the regulations established by trading partners and in the event of an emergency, such as in asparagus production, it has schemes to apply measures based on risk analysis.

The Head of Phytosanitary Regulation explained that Senasica issues measures based on science, so that national producers have appropriate and accurate information.

Among the actions that inspire the competitiveness of producers, mainly small and medium-scale producers, is the application of phytosanitary measures to protect their crops.

At the meeting, it was reported that Senasica continues with the management before the health authority of the European Union for the use of the Electronic Phytosanitary Certificate (ePhyto), a process for which our country is prepared.

 

Decision to import asparagus driven by the need to maintain adequate stock’ Tesco explains sale of Mexican asparagus in the UK by FreshPlaza

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‘Decision to import asparagus driven by the need to maintain adequate stock’

Tesco explains sale of Mexican asparagus in the UK

In response to concerns raised by a Norfolk resident about the sale of Mexican asparagus in a Tesco store in Downham Market, the retailer has clarified its stance. The critique emerged after the individual noted the availability of asparagus from Mexico despite the presence of locally grown alternatives. Highlighting the abundance of asparagus in Norfolk, the individual questioned the rationale behind importing the vegetable, considering the associated transportation costs. The observation was made during a period when British asparagus, specifically from the Chinn family in Herefordshire, was also on sale, albeit at different price points based on weight.
Tesco has articulated that its decision to import asparagus from Mexico was driven by the need to maintain adequate stock for consumers, especially given the impact of recent cold weather on the growth of the UK crop. The retailer emphasized its commitment to supporting British produce, noting that the inclusion of Mexican asparagus was a measure to supplement the British supply rather than replace it. This explanation comes amidst discussions on the implications of importing produce during the local growing season, with the British Growers Association commenting on the challenges faced by UK asparagus growers due to weather conditions this year.

Source: fwi.co.uk