Archive

Mexico Takes Phytosanitary Actions to Strengthen Asparagus Farming by FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola

 

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

Posted on by Lola
‘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

 

Factors that impact U.S. asparagus imports and per capita consumption by FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola

 

Factors that impact U.S. asparagus imports and per capita consumption

Last year, the U.S. imported about 580 million pounds of asparagus with Mexico and Peru being the main suppliers, followed by Canada. While Peru experienced a five percent increase in year-over-year import value, total volume showed a 24 percent decline over the previous year. «The weather phenomena of 2023 resulted in a year like no other, with Cyclone Yako leaving northern Peru devastated and exports of fresh asparagus very challenging,» says Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties and co-chairman of the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA). «Yet, Peru demonstrated resilience and proved profitable to the U.S. in import values.»
Asparagus imports from Mexico were also down last year. The country has been dealing with a lack of rain, causing a shortage of water. In addition, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find laborers to maintain and harvest the crop. As a result, total imports last year were down 12 percent compared to the year before.

This table shows U.S. asparagus imports over the past two years:

Sourcing country Imports in lbs. 2022 Imports in lbs.
2023 		YOY variation
Mexico 359,459,302 338,992,915 -6%
Peru 214,040,192 163,213,499 -24%
Canada 4,447,164 6,056,098 +36%
Total 580,098,156 510,819,654 -12%

Source: USDA

Lack of promotion slows down consumption
While supply has been lower due to weather events and labor shortages, consumption is also witnessing a decline. Preliminary numbers show that per capita consumption of fresh asparagus is down 15 percent in 2022 over 2021. According to PAIA, a lack of consistent promotion is the main reason for the decline. This year, the association will focus even more on spreading valuable information about fresh asparagus to industry trade press, retailers, and foodservice. It has put together a report called 2023/2024 Fresh Asparagus Category Trends, Statistics & Demographics. «The report provides U.S. retailers with essential statistics and customized demographics that will enable them to increase the sale of fresh asparagus,» says Priscilla Lleras, Executive Director of PAIA. The report indicates that families with a household income of $100,000 or more are most likely to purchase asparagus. From this income group, 49 percent is prone to buying fresh asparagus and overall, 37 percent of U.S. consumers stated they purchased fresh asparagus in the past 12 months, which is an increase of 11 percent over the previous year. «This is the perfect opportunity for retailers to promote fresh asparagus year-round with various types of SKUs, including value-added products,» shared Craig Rolandelli of JMB and co-chairman of PAIA. «Promotions will result in year-round sales for retailers as well as the commodity.»

For more information:
Priscilla Lleras
Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association
Tel: (+1) 817 – 793 -3133
priscillaprestige@outlook.com
www.peruvianasparagusimportersassociation.com