Colombia. The Port of Barranquilla was authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out the first export of oranges with a certificate of treatment of origin to this country.
Thanks to the infrastructure of the Refrigerated and Frozen Cargo Warehouse and Distribution Center, the warehouse for storage of refrigerated containers of the Port of Barranquilla and the joint work with local authorities and orange exporters, this becomes the first port in Colombia certified by the USDA to carry out the complete Cold Treatment process.
Cold Treatment is a process in which it is possible to exterminate the pest of the Mediterranean fly guaranteeing the quality of the product. Which consists of keeping the fruit refrigerated at a controlled temperature for 15 days, following the rigorous protocols established by the USDA.
For the first exports of oranges to the United States, the port was only enabled to receive the citrus fruits and fill the containers using its warehouse as a safeguard to maintain the cold chain in the operation. Whereas, the Cold Treatment had to be carried out in foreign ports.
"This certification represents a great achievement for the growth of exports of the Colombian agricultural sector, opening the doors to the demanding U.S. market," said Rene Puche, President of the Port of Barranquilla – Sociedad Portuaria.
During the month of April, the first 23.8 tons of oranges with origin treatment certification were exported to Miami.
