International

Fresh fruit from California has long been sought after by consumers worldwide and consistent, open access to export markets is crucial for the success of the industry. The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) works to open new markets and address market access issues all around the globe including tariffs, technical barriers, and sanitary or phytosanitary issues on behalf of our members. For more information, please contact Caroline Stringer, Director of Trade.

Export Programs

CFFA administers several work plans for stone fruit exports to countries including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and Mexico. Industry must enroll in these programs each year and adhere to program workplans to participate. These programs rely on the cooperation of industry, local County Agricultural Commissioners, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Pesticide Maximum Residue Limits

Pesticides are an essential set of tools for farmers worldwide. However, each export market regulates pesticides and their residue limits according to its own national standards. In some export markets, residue limits differ from those in the U.S. creating the potential for trade disruptions. Exporters are encouraged to verify pesticide maximum residue limits before exporting. The Pesticide Maximum Residue database contains maximum acceptable levels of pesticides and veterinary drugs in food and agricultural products in the U.S., as well as 70 other countries, the European Union and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. To access the database please click here.

Phytosanitary Requirements

Importing countries require phytosanitary certificates for regulated articles which may specify certain treatments or protocols. The Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD) System contains phytosanitary import requirements of U.S.-origin commodities to foreign countries. This information may be retrieved by users with access to the Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking (PCIT) system. To access the database please click here

Tariffs

The World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Tariff Analysis Online Facility allows users to access the WTO’s Integrated Data Base (IDB) and Consolidated Tariff Schedules (CTS) database on-line, select markets and products, compile reports and download data. To view the TAO please click here.

USDA Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN) Database

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) provides timely reports on foreign markets through the GAIN database. An average of 2,000 reports are added each year, with reports going back to 1995. GAIN reports are compiled by FAS’ global market intelligence network, which includes FAS foreign service officers and locally engaged staff in over 90 overseas offices world-wide. They provide on-the-ground intelligence, insight, and analysis on nearly 200 countries, delivering information on foreign agricultural markets, crop conditions, and agro-political dynamics of interest to U.S. agriculture. To search through GAIN reports, please click here.