Guatemala Makes Progress in Advancing Avocado Exports to Argentina

On the 5th, the Guatemalan news website "Lahora" reported that the agreement established technical and sanitary guidelines for Guatemala's avocado exports to the Argentine market, focusing on complying with Argentina's epidemic prevention measures to prevent pests that could potentially impact local agricultural production.

The signing of the agreement marks a crucial step for Guatemalan avocados in opening new commercial markets and represents further progress by Guatemala's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) through its Agricultural Health and Regulations Vice Ministry (VISAR) and Plant Health Directorate (DSV).

The next step in the export procedure will involve verifying Guatemalan farms and production sites to confirm the absence of pests such as moths, bark beetles, and avocado moths that Argentina seeks to prevent. According to Ministry regulations, after confirming that producers meet sanitary conditions, an official inspector will be assigned to verify compliance with phytosanitary requirements. Upon successful completion of the verification, a phytosanitary export certificate will be issued, guaranteeing that the products meet the importing country's standards.

Currently, approximately 30 Guatemalan farms have been identified as "potentially pest-free". The next phase requires these farms to register with the Comprehensive Agricultural and Environmental Protection Plan (PIPPA) phytosanitary certification agency, which will conduct verification. This stage is estimated to take around 3 months. Upon completion, these farms will be able to begin exporting avocados to Argentina.

Argentina represents a market with high consumption potential and a new opportunity for Guatemalan agriculture. Entering the Argentine market will further diversify Guatemala's avocado export destinations, which currently include the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Canada, and several Central American countries. Expanding into South America will enhance the country's agricultural competitiveness and provide new support for small and medium-sized producers.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food reaffirmed its commitment to national agricultural development: "We fully support our country's avocado industry, which is one of our efforts to promote national economic and social development."