US cranberries clear vital hurdle as inspectors certify them pest-free

Thanksgiving in the United States is often associated with cranberries as more than 20 percent of the red berry consumption takes place during the holiday. But what seems to have really excited cranberry growers in the US during this Thanksgiving is the arrival of the much-anticipated certificate that will significantly boost the red berry exports to China, where demand is growing steadily.

The US Cranberry Marketing Committee said on Tuesday that the United States Department of Agriculture has started issuing phytosanitary certificates for frozen cranberry shipments to China.

Phytosanitary certificates are issued to produce growers and handlers after USDA or state inspectors ensure that crops and produce do not have any pests or pathogens that can be carried into other countries upon shipment. The certificates are generally issued for fresh crops and produce and are required by the Chinese government. Frozen cranberries were previously considered ineligible for the certificates.