US fresh vegetables now available in the Philippines

Fresh celery, lettuce, and cruciferous vegetables from the United States are coming soon to markets in the Philippines. On June 30, 2014, the Philippines formally lifted restrictions on the import of these temperate climate vegetables, which are difficult to grow locally, from producers in the United States. This exciting development will relieve shortages and deepen agricultural ties between the two nations.

American producers previously enjoyed only limited access to the Philippine vegetable market, exporting US$57,000 of such products (mostly celery) in 2013. Trade experts predict that open market access will help these sales to reach $1 million within two years. Such commerce will be an asset to the burgeoning food service and retail sectors in the Philippines.

The agreement reached with the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) ensures that all fresh vegetable shipments will have a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Phytosanitary Certificate. This is to verify that the shipments meet all the stipulations of the Plant Quarantine SPS Import Clearance. As with all fresh vegetable trade, importers will be required to obtain an SPS Import Permit from the DA Bureau of Plant Industry.

In the midst of the Philippine rainy season, when temperate climate vegetables are especially scarce, this is welcome news for Filipino and American entrepreneurs and consumers alike.

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