Washington, D.C., Denver, Colo. – The following joint statement is from the National Potato Council (NPC) and the United States Potato Board (USPB) on the final regulations published today by the Mexican government in the Diaro Oficial de la Federacion regarding the importation of U.S. fresh potatoes:
"The U.S. potato industry and our partners at USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are pleased to learn that the Mexican government has issued its final rule designed to achieve the bilateral goal of expanding trade in fresh potatoes between our two countries. Publishing the final rule is an important step in the parallel regulatory efforts taking place on both sides of the border. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has indicated it will publish its final rule in the Federal Register next week. The final regulations issued by Mexico provide the structure for trade in potatoes between all countries and Mexico. A specific protocol agreed to by the U.S. and Mexico will govern the specifics of potato trade between the countries.
Over the next several weeks APHIS will identify the particular shipping and labeling requirements for U.S. potatoes being shipped to Mexico. Shipments of potatoes between the two countries should begin before June.
In September 2012, the Mexican government began its rulemaking process to establish a protocol to allow the expansion U.S. fresh potato trade with Mexico. The U.S. potato industry applauds the successful conclusion of the parallel rulemaking processes, which will benefit consumers and potato growers on both sides of the border."
The original regulation is available at http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5337533&fecha=19/03/2014 and a translated version is available at http://nationalpotatocouncil.org/files/3813/9531/6659/031914.COFEMER.pdf
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