New changes to regulations governing the fumigation of Peruvian asparagus have importers worried about increased costs and the future feasibility in the US of the fresh product, which represents a substantial market for both Miami and rest of the country.
"Eighty percent of the asparagus that comes into the US comes through [Miami International Airport]," said Tony Quintero, associate aviation director for governmental affairs at the airport. "It's a significant impact. It's our second most important perishable next to cut flowers."
Miami International handled 154 million pounds of asparagus from Peru last year alone, he added.
"Peru is the largest source of fresh asparagus in the US marketplace, representing over 51% of the fresh asparagus market," said Priscilla Lleras, spokeswoman for the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association, in an e-mail.
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