USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) began issuing phytosanitary certificates for fresh U.S. potato exports to the border zone in Mexico. These phytosanitary certificates are based on the import requirements from the 2003 work plan, which allows shipments of U.S. potatoes into the 26 kilometer zone south of the border.
On May 19, the Mexican market opened beyond the border region but, this expanded access was suspended by the Mexican government after Mexican growers filed a court injunction on June 9th against the new shipping requirements. As the court case is being addressed, USDA and the U.S. potato industry are seeking to restore market access to the border region.