Idaho Congressman Simpson is pleased the Mexican government published its final rule allowing the importation of fresh potatoes from the United States. 

“Since the Market Access Agreement was signed by the U.S. and Mexico in 2003, I have consistently urged the USTR, USDA and White House to sustain efforts encouraging Mexico to meet its commitment and allow full market access for U.S. fresh potatoes,” said Simpson. “I am pleased the Mexican government has issued its final rule allowing full market access for U.S. fresh potatoes.”

In 2003, the United States and Mexico signed a market access agreement that allowed for the shipment of U.S. fresh potatoes into a 26-kilometer area along the border of Mexico.  The agreement called for increased access to the five northern Mexican states in 2004 and for consideration of full access by 2005. However, Mexico has continued to limits shipments of U.S. potatoes to areas within 26 kilometers of the border. In 2012, the Mexican government started its rulemaking process to allow of the expansion U.S. fresh potato trade between the two countries.   

The original regulation is available at:
http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5337533&fecha=19/03/2014

A translated version is available at:
http://nationalpotatocouncil.org/files/3813/9531/6659/031914.COFEMER.pdf
 
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is expected to publish its final rule in the Federal Register next week.  Shipments of potatoes between the U.S. and Mexico should begin in May.