Last week's visit of Ecuadorian inspectors to start the exports of Italian pears to Ecuador was a successful one, and represented the final step in the negotiations that began in 2021, which saw numerous exchanges of information, preparation of supporting documentation, and the final text defining the conditions to be followed to export Italian pears as of the next campaign.
"The final visit aimed at verifying whether Italian companies are able to meet the conditions set out by the authorities of the Latin American country. We had prepared the visit well in advance together with the technicians and managers of the structures involved: OP Granfrutta Zani, Fruit Modena Group, Agrintesa, APO Conerpo, the Plant Protection Service of the Emilia-Romagna Region, and MASAF. Everything went well," reports Simona Rubbi, CSO Italy's Head of Legislation and Planning, who coordinated the activity.
© CSO ItalyThe final meeting at MASAF with the participation of the Ecuadorian inspectors, the representatives of OP Granfrutta Zani, Fruit Modena Group, Agrintesa, APO Conerpo, the Emilia-Romagna Region Phytosanitary Service, and CSO Italy
The two Ecuadorian inspectors were able to witness the entire process first-hand, both in the fields and at the plant. They appreciated the production and processing system, as well as the interaction between the phytosanitary service and the companies. They were particularly impressed to see how everything was prepared and simulated as if the protocol were actually in place. They said it was the first time they had seen such preparation.
"We took care of all the details, from the compilation of the field notebooks to the trap maps, down to pest manuals. Then, at the plant, we showed them the units for the pears destined to Ecuador, as well as the processing, sorting, and packaging stages, the labels, the loading ramps, and the filling in of the phytosanitary certificate."
© CSO ItalyThe visit to the orchard by Ecuadorian inspectors
In the closing meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, the representatives from Ecuador expressed their satisfaction at having been able to verify the implementation of all the measures stipulated in the protocol in an excellent and transparent manner. The impeccable preparation and synergy between companies and the regional phytosanitary service made their inspection much easier and particularly positive.
"Now that the visit is over, we only need to consolidate the text of the protocol for the signatures of the two ministries involved. Once signed, the text will be published in the Official Gazette of Ecuador and can be operational."
CSO Italy would like to express its special thanks to the managers and technicians of OP Granfrutta Zani, Fruit Modena Group, Agrintesa, and APO Conerpo, who made themselves available and, together with the Regional Phytosanitary Service and MASAF, made everything impeccable: Proof of great teamwork.