(QCOSTARICA) Mexico and Guatemala have brought Costa Rica’s import ban on avocados (aguacate in Spanish) before the World Trade Organization (WTO). The case will be heard on July 15th in the committee in charge of Sanitary Measures in Geneva, Switzerland.
The ban was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture (Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia – MAG) on May 5th, because of concerns about “sunblotch” that is affecting producers in Mexico and 8 other countries.
The Director of Phytosanitary Services, Francisco Dall’Anese expressed confidence about the ban and the complaint, “This is a temporary measure which shouldn’t have any consequences before the WTO, we hope to explain the case and clear up any doubts the government representatives may have.”
Dall’Anese said that two technicians are working on the risk analysis, and once the Mexicans declares particular areas free of the virus, then importations can resume, “this is what Peru and California did, and we are permitting the entry of avocados from those countries.”
The ban has caused shortages and price increases in the local market, while some sectors have accused the government of using the ban as an excuse to favor local producers.
Article by iNews.co.cr, with editing by the Q!