News in Brief:
– China grants access to fresh Hungarian cherries, marking a significant boost in bilateral trade.
– Hungarian farmers poised to tap into the vast Chinese market, navigating stringent phytosanitary requirements for export.
China has granted access to fresh Hungarian cherries, a news report says, marking a significant milestone in bilateral trade agreements. This development comes in the wake of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Hungary, where both nations solidified their economic and cultural ties through new cooperation agreements.
Hungary, known for its robust cherry production, particularly sour cherries, stands to benefit greatly from this market access. With an annual output of around 10,000 metric tons of sweet cherries, reaching a peak of 12,000 metric tons in 2018, Hungarian farmers are poised to tap into the vast Chinese market.
This newfound opportunity holds immense promise for local farmers, especially during Hungary’s ongoing cherry season. With cherries ripening in greenhouses as early as May and field cultivation yielding fruit from June to July, farmers are gearing up to meet the stringent phytosanitary requirements set by China.
The General Administration of Customs of China has outlined 15 quarantine pests of concern, necessitating adherence to rigorous agricultural practices. Orchards intending to export cherries to China must implement integrated pest management techniques and uphold strict hygiene standards in packing facilities.
To meet Chinese import standards, cherries undergo rigorous processing, including washing, sorting, grading, and removal of damaged fruits. Cold treatment measures are mandatory, ensuring the elimination of pests and pathogens. Approved regimens include maintaining pulp temperatures at or below 1 degree Celsius for a minimum of 16 consecutive days or 2.1 degrees Celsius for at least 21 consecutive days.
