USDA seeks comment on draft pest risk assessment for fresh pineapple imports from the Philippines
The world’s second-largest producer of pineapples wants access to the U.S. fresh market.
The government of the Philippines has asked USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to authorize the importation of pineapple for consumption into the U.S. The agency is seeking comment on a draft pest risk assessment that describes potential pests associated with the commodity, according to a news release.
In 2019, the Philippines was the no. 2 ranked country for pineapple production, after Costa Rica, according to statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
At 2.74 million metric tons, pineapple production in the Philippines was 18% less than Costa’s world-leading output of 3.2 million metric tons.
The draft pest risk assessment for pineapple for consumption from the Philippines will be available for review and comment until April 22, 2021. To view the assessment or submit comments, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/risk-assessment-consultation.
