AMMAN: Jordanian vegetables will start entering Saudi markets by mid-June after almost a 20-year ban after meeting conditions set by Saudi authorities. A Ministry of Agriculture statement said Saturday that the ministry, in coordination with all concerned parties including producers, traders, logistics providers, research centers and laboratories, has completed all necessary conditions and requirements set by the Saudi authorities to "ensure safe and high-quality produce", the statement said. The statement also said all vegetables will be stored at well equipped storehouses before being exported to the Gulf state, noting that the ministry will prepare "experimental shipments" in cooperation with the private sector to acquaint traders with Saudi terms. The ministry's labs conducting tests on vegetables and irrigation water are highly advanced and internationally accredited, the ministry said, adding Jordan exports a total of 40,000 tons of high-quality vegetables to Europe annually without any problems being reported. The ministry said it welcomes any Saudi delegation to check up on conditions and the required standards. In addition, the ministry said in the statement that it plans to establish three more labs to test fruits and vegetables for local consumption and export purposes. Anwar Haddad, executive director of the Jordan Exporters and Producers Association for Fruits and Vegetables, said exports to Saudi Arabia will not create imbalances in the local market that lead to an increase in prices of fruits and vegetables.
