A delegation of European port health authorities takes a field tour of California Almond country in July. They are, left to right, Dr. Georgi Agov (Bulgaria), Marta Zegzula (Poland), Gavin Stedman (U.K.), Glyn Cavell (U.K.), Lazlo Avonts (Belgium), Beth Van Meter (ABC staff) and Dexter Long (ABC Board of Directors).
In late July, Almond Board of California (ABC) hosted a delegation of port health authorities from Belgium, Bulgaria, Poland and the United Kingdom for a Pre-Export Check Seminar. The delegation learned about the almond industry through presentations by the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Almond Quality and Food Safety, and Industry Services teams. The delegation also spent a day in the field touring an orchard, as well as a huller/sheller, a handler and a USDA-certified laboratory, where they were shown the entire aflatoxin testing process. The final visit was with the FDA, the Port of Oakland, and the Customs and Border Patrol.
ABC also organized a handler seminar at which each delegate was able to present the import processes of his/her respective port, while handlers were asked clarifying questions to challenges
they have experienced.
Hosting delegations like this helps ensure unimpeded movement of almonds worldwide. The delegates left with an understanding of the broad and structured processes for food safety and having confidence in the pre-export check certificate program. ABC will continue to cultivate these relationships as well as reach out to other port authorities within the European Union in an ongoing effort to ease trade flows within the region.
For questions or information on upcoming seminars, please contact Beth Van Meter.
