Chinese health authorities are inspecting plants and pineapple farms in the country as part of the process of market opening for the Costa Rican fruit.
In addition to inspections on farms and plants, a technical mission to China has verified health checks undertaken by the laboratories of the State Phytosanitary Service. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, "...Costa Rica's successful entry could result in a need to expand the amount of land planted with this fruit, which is currently 45,000 hectares. "
From 1 January 2015 20% of their agricultural imports must be produced sustainably, a percentage which will reach 100% in 2020.
Giovanna Valverde, Director of International Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica (MAG), said the move is a big challenge for domestic farmers, but especially for pineapple and melon growers, and producers of ornamental plants and foliage.
The Costa Rican pineapple sector wants to consolidate the presence it has gained in major international markets.
It is negotiating with the Foreign Trade Promotion Office the terms needed to create a brand for the country in the next few months, which they hope will help maintain the explosive volume that has been exported.
"In just a decade, exports increased from $158 million in 2002, to reach a peak of $789 million in 2012, an increase of 400% making this fruit the number agricultural shipment above bananas and coffee," reported Elfinancierocr.com.