The revision of the apple protocol for Vietnam has been successfully completed. This was announced by CSO Italy, on behalf of the other organisations that worked to achieve this result: Alleanza delle Cooperative Italiane, Assomela and Fruitimprese, which collaborated with the Central Phytosanitary Service Office of MASAF and the regional phytosanitary services of Emilia Romagna, Piedmont and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.
From October 1st, therefore, it will be easier to export Italian apples to the Asian countries. "The revision - explains Simona Rubbi, Head of Legislation and Planning at CSO Italy - was necessary to improve certain aspects that we had to accept in 2018 in order to conclude the agreement. I am referring to the specific requirement of 84 days (12 weeks) of cold treatment. After discussions, tests, and scientific demonstrations, the Vietnamese accepted our request to allow, as an alternative, cold treatment either in transit or before departure, with a sustainable and effective time/temperature combination, i.e,. 0.8 °C (±0.7 °C) for at least 14 consecutive days."
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In addition to improving the cold treatment parameters, it has been agreed that the new conditions will apply from October 1st. Therefore, operators included in the lists prepared before the start of the commercial campaign, as is customary, will be able to benefit from the new conditions. Furthermore, at present, the Vietnamese authorities have not requested anything regarding the possible inspection visit provided for in the protocol. On this aspect, on the Italian side, we have already defined a programme agreed with the Ministry, regional phytosanitary services, and the facilities to be visited: If requested, we will be ready to welcome them.
"Special thanks - emphasise CSO Italy, Alleanza delle Cooperative Italiane, Assomela and Fruitimprese - go to Masaf and the agricultural attaché of our Embassy in Vietnam, Dr. Renzo Moro, who guided us to this result, facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding."