Fresh figs have found their way from Chilean orchards to US markets. However, this journey is not just a logistical undertaking, but a regulatory and phytosanitary odyssey.
For decades, the trade of fresh fruit to markets with strict phytosanitary regulations, such as the United States, has relied heavily on broad-spectrum treatments, such as fumigation with methyl bromide. This chemical, although effective against pests, compromises the freshness, flavor and shelf life of the fig, an already fragile fruit.
The progress in implementing a Systems Approach (SA) for figs promises to revolutionize how Chilean figs are perceived and valued in the demanding US market. This approach, more than just a protocol, is a biosecurity philosophy that seeks to move beyond past methods and embrace a more sustainable and higher-quality future.
A little history about the Systems Approach
The Systems Approach (SA) is a modern, comprehensive phytosanitary strategy for managing pest risks in international trade. Rather than relying on a single treatment, such as spraying, it is based on the application of multiple interdependent and overlapping measures that mitigate risk at every stage of the supply chain, from the orchard to the shipping point. Rooted in systems science and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the concept has its origins in scientific literature dating back to the early 1960s. In the phytosanitary context, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been a key player in its development and has employed the approach for over 30 years to facilitate both U.S. imports and exports of U.S. products. The SA is not unique to the U.S. trade relationship; it is an internationally recognized standard, promoted by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It is used by numerous countries in bilateral trade agreements, including countries such as Chile, and has been integrated into European Union trade agreements, underscoring its global adoption.
Why is the 'Systems Approach' a radical change? From Chemistry to Systems
The "Systems Approach" emerges as a strategic alternative, as it is a layered phytosanitary defense, a set of overlapping measures that act at each stage of the production and export process, from the orchard to the shipment. Its aim is to ensure that the risk of pests is mitigated well before the fruit reaches its destination port. The benefits are tangible: fruit transported under this system not only arrives in superior condition but can also be marketed as a premium product, increasing competitiveness and value for the exporter.
The Chilean Fig at the Phytosanitary Crossroads
The export of fresh Chilean figs to the US has been a reality since 2014, demonstrating existing market access. However, the Systems Approach for this particular fruit is not yet fully approved or operational. The approval process is at a critical and promising stage.
In January 2024, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a draft Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) for fig imports from Chile ( available for download here ). This document identifies the Chilean false red mite ( Brevipalpus chilensis ) and the fig mite ( Aceria ficus ) as the pests of greatest concern. Although the PRA draft is a fundamental step forward, it clarifies that the specific phytosanitary measures that will make up the SA protocol will be detailed in a separate document that has not yet been published.
The Roadmap: The Advance Protocol
The path forward for Chilean figs becomes clearer when analyzing the success stories of other fruits. The SA protocol for fresh figs is expected to require the following measures:
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In the Orchard: The first line of defense is the mandatory registration and certification of low prevalence of orchard pests before the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of Chile. This is complemented by the implementation of a rigorous Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, with constant monitoring for the control of key pests such as mites. A single live mite found during inspection could result in the rejection of the production site for the season, underscoring the need for impeccable management.
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At the Packing Plant: The packing facilities must be registered, insect-proof, and have exclusive packing lines for SA fruit. The figs must undergo a careful washing and sorting process to remove any damaged fruit that may harbor pests.
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During Inspection and Certification: Joint inspections will be carried out by SAG and APHIS at authorized sites in Chile to verify compliance with the protocol. Finally, SAG will issue a phytosanitary certificate with additional declarations and traceability codes (CSG and CSP) that guarantee that the fig can be traced back to its origin.
The Great History of SA in Chile: Successes and Challenges
The journey of the fig is not an isolated story. It is part of a broader and more complex narrative that has defined Chilean fruit exports over the last decade. The successful implementation of the Harmonized System (HS) for other fruits demonstrates that it is a viable strategy, albeit one not without its challenges.
Success Stories:
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Pomegranates (2012): It was one of the first fruits to gain approval for the SA in 2012, paving the way for other products.
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Limones (2018): The SA replaced the mandatory treatment with methyl bromide, opening a smoother and more sustainable access route.
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Cherimoya (2018): Obtained SA approval as a more beneficial alternative for fruit quality.
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Kiwi (Before 2018): Already used a successful SA, demonstrating the application of the approach to niche products.
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Blueberries (2020): The approval of the SA for blueberries from the Biobío and Ñuble regions allowed export without fumigation, even preserving the status of organic product.
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Table grapes (2024): The most emblematic case, the result of 24 years of negotiations, which culminated in the approval of the SA that allows grapes from the regions of Atacama, Coquimbo and part of Valparaíso to enter the U.S. without mandatory fumigation.
Challenges and Setbacks:
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Figs (2011): In a previous attempt, the SA proposal for figs and pomegranates was not finalized for figs at that time. APHIS required more time to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed measures, which underscores the meticulous nature of the process for this fruit.
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Table Grapes (2008): An earlier SA proposal for grapes was halted due to an outbreak of the European grapevine moth ( Lobesia botrana ). APHIS determined that the proposed protocol did not include specific measures for this new pest, forcing a return to fumigation treatment.
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Citrus (Before 2018): Previous citrus entry applications were rejected due to the lack of an effective treatment for the Chilean false red mite ( Brevipalpus chilensis ), a challenge that was overcome in the successful 2018 proposal.
Processes in Progress:
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Asparagus: A gradual incorporation into the SA is expected, with most shipments projected to be fumigated-free within the next five years.
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Figs: The process is in an active phase, with the PRA under review and the industry and agencies awaiting the publication of the detailed measures.
The Horizon: When?
The road to final approval for fresh figs is a marathon, not a sprint. Given the 2011 precedent and the complexity of successful processes like those for blueberries and lemons, a realistic estimate places final approval of the "Systems Approach" for Chilean figs between the end of 2025 and 2027 .
Ultimately, the journey of fresh Chilean figs to the United States under the "Systems Approach" is not just a story of protocols, but a narrative of persistence, innovation, and the firm belief that quality and sustainability are the keys to a bright future in Chilean fig exports.
References
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