Costa Rica: Potatoes imported from the United States without phytosanitary controls distort the local market.

The National Chamber of Agriculture and Agroindustry (CNAA) has issued a statement regarding the entry of imported potatoes from the United States into the country without adequate phytosanitary controls and at prices that distort the market.

This message supports the  complaint  issued by the Costa Rican Chamber of Potato Producers (CPPC) this week.

"From the CNAA, we reiterate our support for the horticultural sector and therefore join the call for alert issued by the sector, which has highlighted the lack of pest risk analysis and the relaxation of phytosanitary requirements for potato imports, which represents a serious threat to the country’s agricultural health and the food security of all Costa Ricans," they stated in a press release.

"The introduction of these or any other foods without the required controls could introduce devastating pests, jeopardizing an agricultural activity of high social, economic, and productive value for regions like Cartago, a key area for national potato production," they warned.

The Chamber called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC), and the Ministry of Finance to address the situation in an effort to protect domestic potato production.

Zebra Chip

A week ago, the State Phytosanitary System detected, in Puerto Caldera, a shipment of potatoes from California, United States, containing sprouted product of the pest known as "zebra chip."

This phytoplasma is not present in the country and could put national production at risk.

This shipment was equivalent to 72,960 kilograms, which, according to authorities, has already been returned.