Argentina: Ledesma invests in orange exports

Ledesma's citrus packing plant, located in the city of Libertador General San Martin (Jujuy), has bu…

Ledesma's citrus packing plant, located in the city of Libertador General San Martin (Jujuy), has built two new quarantine cold treatment chambers with the goal of exporting oranges to Chile. The investment amounts to $ 800,000. Ledesma is still committed to development and adding value at origin to its various agricultural businesses.

After the efforts made through the National Health and Food Quality Service (SENASA) to convince auditors of the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) of Chile to visit Ledesma's plant in Jujuy, two quarantine cold treatment chambers were approved by the Exempt Resolution No. 6530 of 27 August.

This will make it possible to export oranges to Santiago de Chile and the north of that country in the coming days through the Integrated Border Control of Paso Jama. The Ministry of Production of Jujuy, through its Directorate of Agricultural Health and Quality, supported Ledesma's initiative.

Up until 2000, Ledesma exported oranges to Chile, but stopped doing so after strict changes in phytosanitary policies. Now it is only possible to ship citrus after applying a quarantine treatment for 17 days at 1.67 °C in order to prevent the entry of live fruit flies. The treatment for the first 24 tonnes of oranges from Ledesma started last week.

Certifications
In order to export to Chile, Ledesma's orange farms and packing plant must be registered, previously audited and certified by the SAG of Chile.

The packing of Ledesma's fruits is also certified under ISO Standard 9001: 2008. All farms are also Global G.A.P. certified.

Ledesma is Argentina's largest exporter of oranges. Its main variety is Valencia, which is shipped to the European market and now Chile.