Mexico deploys strict TR4 protocols ahead of international banana meeting

With less than a month to go before the ACORBAT | CORBANA International Meeting in Mérida, Yucatán, the organizing committee announced that it will strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of pathogens affecting Musaceae, primarily Fusarium Race 4 Tropical (TR4).

“We have a robust action plan that we have developed in coordination with the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality, and it includes controls at both Mexico’s airports and the International Convention Center, which will host the event,” stated Dulce Rodríguez, coordinator of the event’s organizing committee. 

The spokesperson said these initiatives have been carefully crafted to protect the Mexican agricultural industry and ensure a safe environment for visitors. 

Biosecurity controls at airports

At the main points of entry into Mexico, international visitors will be required to walk through phytosanitary mats to disinfect their footwear. Additionally, authorities will conduct non-intrusive inspections using canine teams specialized in detecting plant material. Complementary measures also include  X-ray scanning and baggage screening. 

An intensive educational campaign regarding Foc R4T will also be deployed at both airports and the Congress venue.

The Yucatán International Convention Center will also feature phytosanitary mats at all pedestrian entrances during the event to reinforce biosecurity measures.

Industry commitment

As part of the registration process, the organizing committee has prepared an affidavit for each visitor, in which they’ll be asked to reaffirm their commitment to comply with all the preventive measures outlined above. In the document, they’ll pledge to refrain from visiting musaceae plantations in Mexico, avoid carrying plant materials, and report their exact origin. 

All biosecurity and phytosanitary surveillance measures are mandatory for international visitors, domestic attendees, and local service providers participating in the event, the organizing committee said. 

The 25th ACORBAT International Meeting and 10th CORBANA International Banana Congress will bring together representatives of the banana industry from more than 40 countries between April 20 and  23, 2026.

*All pictures by CORBANA - Archive.

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