Posted March 4, 2014
Apple exports to Canada are now moving at a quicker and
more cost-effective pace due to a provision of the new Agriculture Act of 2014,
according to a Produce News article available here. The Central New York Business Journal also
reported on the story here.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rep. Bill Owen
(D-NY) worked to include the provision in the new farm bill. The provision exempts “bulk shipments of U.S.
apples to Canada from inspection required under the Apple Export Act, saving
apple growers up to $300 per truckload, and allowing growers to create their
own distribution schedules, eliminating costly after-hours inspection
procedures.”
The Apple & Pear Export Act of 1933 requires that
all exported apples are inspected. Pears
have been excluded since 1999.
“Trade with Canada and agriculture are essential parts of
New York’s economy,” said Owens.
“Exempting bulk shipments of apples from inspection is now saving
farmers money and streamlining the flow of goods to people at the border.”
“[T]his costly inspection was hurting our growers and
holding our economy back. Now our apples
can reach markets faster, help New York’s apple growers cut costs, and help our
economy grow,” said Gillibrand.
For more information on international trade and farm
bills, please visit the Center’s website here
and here.
