After a long hiatus of nearly three decades, Georgia peaches are heading back to Mexico, and it's a significant moment for trade and agriculture. In an announcement made by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper, alongside Genuine Georgia and Atlanta-based Reveam, it was revealed that 42,000 pounds of the celebrated fruit have been shipped to Mexico, overcoming a longstanding import impasse. This accomplishment is attributed to the utilization of Reveam’s Electronic Cold-Pasteurization (ECP) technology, which aligns with the import requirements set forth by Mexico, including stringent pest control measures. The introduction of this tech not only opens doors for Georgia's peach producers but also aims to further reduce international trade obstacles.
“Expanding access to reliable markets for Georgia producers is absolutely critical to ensure the continued success of our state’s #1 industry and our farm families,” Tyler J Harper stated the Georgia Department of Agriculture, emphasizing the significance of this breakthrough for the agricultural landscape of Georgia. The initiative is largely seen as a blueprint for the future, showcasing how innovation can be leveraged to not only meet international food safety standards but also to potentially reduce food waste.
Mexico's stringent pest concerns had prompted the ban on southeastern U.S. peaches back in 1994, but through sustained efforts from Georgia peach growers, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Mexican agricultural authorities, new standards and methodologies, including Reveam’s ECP, have now been employed to meet those concerns. The ECP treatment is a state-of-the-art, USDA-approved process that dispenses with pests and pathogens without the need for chemicals or heat, maintaining the fruit’s taste and extending shelf life.
There’s evident enthusiasm surrounding this development, as the President of the Georgia Peach Council, Duke Lane, suggested the potential for new customers: “There are a lot of peach eaters in Mexico, and a lot of them would love to have those Georgia peaches,” Lane told the Georgia Department of Agriculture. To further ensure compliance with international standards, USDA and GDA officials inspect and issue a phytosanitary certificate for each shipment. With Reveam's treatment facility support in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Georgia growers are now able to effectively meet Mexico’s safety and quality protocols.
This latest development not only promises to bring the taste of Georgia to new markets but also stands as a testament to the enduring pursuit of growth and innovation within the agricultural sector. As Commissioner Harper advocated for Reveam's technology and its benefits, it's apparent that a new chapter has opened up for Georgia peaches, aligning with Harper's vision and efforts to bolster the state’s position within the global market.
