More US apples headed to China

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reached an agreement with Chinese officials that will increase apple exports to East Asia state.

U.S. exports of fresh apples to China, valued at more than $1 billion in 2013, could reach $100 million in the next two years with 5 million bushels being sent annually, USDA said in a release.

The agreement came during the USDA and China General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in San Francisco.

“USDA values the relationship we are forging with China to bring mutually-beneficial food and agricultural trade to Americans and Chinese alike,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

“The new access for American exports we’re announcing today is the culmination of decades of hard work by USDA staff. These efforts will result in high quality, fresh U.S. apple varieties available for consumers in China and a significant boost in sales for American apple producers.”