In a significant development, the United States has granted permission to Thailand to export its renowned pomelo fruit to the country. This marks the first time that Thailand will be able to tap into the American market and showcase its delicious pomelos.
Thailand wasted no time and has already dispatched its inaugural shipment of pomelos to the United States. The agreement allows for the export of four pomelo varieties: Thong Dee, Khao Yai, Khao Namphueng, and Khao Tangkwa. These pomelos will be prominently featured at the Sawasdee DC Thai Festival, held from July 2 to July 4 in Washington DC. This festive occasion not only celebrates the U.S. Independence Day but also highlights the longstanding diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States. The shipment, weighing a total of 864 kilograms, also includes other popular Thai fruits such as mangoes and mangosteens. The fruits were dispatched on June 26, symbolizing a milestone in Thai agricultural exports.
Anucha Burapachaisri, the Government Spokesman, revealed that caretaker Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha praised this achievement as it expands the global market reach for Thai agricultural produce. This move aligns with Thailand’s goal of diversifying its export destinations and promoting its exceptional fruits to a wider international audience.
To comply with the regulations set by the United States Department of Agriculture, exported pomelos from Thailand must undergo gamma irradiation treatment at a dosage of 400 Gray for 3 hours. This essential process is carried out at the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology. Additionally, the exported fruits are required to undergo sorting and processing at authorized facilities to meet the stringent quality standards.
Currently, Thailand is authorized to export a total of eight fruit varieties to the United States, including mangoes, lychees, longans, pineapples, mangosteens, dragonfruits, rambutans, and now pomelos. To facilitate private firms in reducing costs and increasing the export volume of each batch, the Department of Agriculture has established guidelines. The successful implementation of these guidelines can potentially serve as a valuable tool for businesses to apply in a commercially viable manner, further enhancing the growth of the fruit export industry.
