Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/506700
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER MAY 15, 2015 5 Apple imports from China allowed T he U.S. Department of Agriculture has published a final rule that will allow Chinese apples to be imported into the United States, effective May 29. The USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service completed a risk analysis two years ago to determine that apples could be safely imported into the United States from China. Chinese apples must be produced under a systems approach. Participating producers must be certified by the National Plant Protection Organization of China. Apples must be inspected before harvest and can only be exported in commercial assignments and in sealed boxes. Fruit must be inspected and certified free of quarantine pests and held in cold storage while awaiting export. Apples from areas in China where Oriental fruit fly exists must be fumigated and refrigerated. APHIS will audit and monitor China's implementation of the systems approach. Earlier this year, U.S. and Chinese officials reached an agreement to allow all varieties of U.S. apples to be exported to China, effective May 22. Until now, China has accepted only Red and Golden Delicious. Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission, said the reciprocal agreement comes too late to have a great impact on Washington apple exports for the current season, but it should give shippers tremendous access to China for next year. The apple industry has estimated that U.S. apple exports to China could reach 5 mil- lion boxes annually, increasing fresh apple exports by 10 percent, according to the USDA. Alegria chairs apple board J on Alegria, president of CPC International Apple Company in Tieton, Washington, has succeeded Barbara Walkenauer of Selah as chair of the Washington Apple Commission's board of directors for 2015-2016. Chelan grower Dave Robison is vice chair. Bob Mast, president of Columbia Marketing International in Wenatchee, was elected to the board for a three-year term. He succeeds Jay Fulbright of Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee. Re-elected to the board were: Dalton Thomas with Oneonta Trading Corporation; Cass Gebbers with Gebbers Farms; and Frank Davis with SuperFresh Growers, Yakima. QUICK BITES People and industry in the news. Read more Fresh Updates at goodfruit.com/fresh-updates !$###$" % % # &%&&&%&"!!&&% &&$$""! We ship nationwide, so please call for price and availability! Time TO PLAN! • 2016 Sleepy Eyes • 2018 Tree Needs PAUL TVERGYAK 509-669-0689 ptvergyak@genext.net CONTRACTS for 2015 and beyond! Custom Contracted Apple, Pear, Cherry & Peach Trees ✔TOP QUALITY ✔VIRUS TESTED ✔VERY COMPETITIVE PRICING HIGHEST QUALITY FRUIT TREES ! Call for: • TREES • ROOTSTOCK • INTERSTEMS • BENCH GRAFTS • SLEEPING EYES • ROYALTIES Web: www.wellsandwade.com Email: sales@sfequip.com For a dealer near you, call (509) 662-6065 Q u alit y H ar v e s t To o ls S in ce 1 9 2 2 Standard & Deluxe Cherr y Harnesses Harvest Equipment & WELLS & WADE W W See your Local Dealer Today! Seatbelt Webbing Harness NEW Food Safe Certified Cherry Bucket Pad Available #01106 18 qt. Cherr y Bucket (Pictured) 22 qt. Cherry Bucket Available