December 28, 2013
Federal order calls for blueberry fumigation
Following the discovery of the European grapevine moth, the USDA/PPQ created a federal order that ultimately put a halt to all vessel fruit out of three of the largest berry growing regions in Chile (about 80% total volumes to the U.S.). The federal order mandates that all blueberries grown in regions 6, 7, and 8 be fumigated before export to the U.S. Any fruit from other growing regions is subject to strenuous inspections both upon shipping and arrival, so delays are expected.