U.S. Hails End of Apple Row With Japan

Washington, Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)–U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns on Wednesday welcomed Japan’s decision to ease its apple quarantine rules that effectively shut American apples out of the Japanese market.

Japan earlier this month decided to take the easing step in response to a World Trade Organization ruling in June that upheld a U.S. complaint that Japan’s apple quarantine requirements concerning an apple disease called fire blight were too strict. Tokyo and Washington reported the settlement of their apple dispute to the WTO on Tuesday.

Portman said, “Not only will Japan’s decision allow U.S. apple growers an opportunity to export to a new market, but it is also a decision we look to other countries to follow as well.”

Johanns said, “Resolution of this issue is another clear indication that the WTO process works for America’s farmers and ranchers.”

Japan has scrapped its rules requiring inspections of apple farms, the creation of buffer zones around those farms and the sterilization of all apples shipped to Japan.END