Cecile Mills wrote:
> So how does it [luffas] come into the U.S.--as a bath product or as a
> vegetable?
As stated, to use luffas as a vegetable they are harvested immature. We have
luffas - If we have a buyer who wants them for eating, we will cut them in the
appropriate state. We are in time for that, but we need the orders and to set a
schedule with the interested party. Samples can be shipped.
> Do you know about the import/export aspects of getting the luffa to the U.S.?
I was just asked to get involved last (Monday) night (the grower is a friend of
mine, with whom I've had other dealings) and don't know the tarrif situation yet
- but I'll call the NAFTA center once it opens (it's 5:40 am) and have that info
later today. (I will also fax my U.S. customs broker). Jeanine says:
"Presently, luffa sponges are imported from many countries", so it's an
importable item. (As an extensionist, she should know). Since there's little
U.S. investment at risk, there's little likelihood of there being much (if any)
of a tarrif. (That's how it works, in general). In any case, I've have the
specifics later today. .
> How many do you have? What quantities are you selling? How much for how many?
As sponges, we have approximately 10,000 40-50 cm / 16"-20" long of them, plus
4,000 smaller (30-40 cm / 12-16"). As vegetables, just like cucumbers, if you
pick them immature the vines keep flowering, and you can pick over a 5 month
period. Note: Not all varieities are suitable for eating (some are bitter).
Ours ARE suitable but I don't have the name of the variety, I'm told it's a
Chinese type (the Israeli technician who set up the proyect originally vanished
some time ago, and all committments were annulled). As for price, we will be
competitive. There is / are (a) market(s) for this and we will be within the
established limits. Actual sales must be negociated, and you might want to
define your role, since it's not clear if your answer (which I appreciate) is
practical in an intellectual sense (i.e., first things first), whether you are
able to provide a specific reference for us, or perhaps you have an interest in
participating personally. Please define. (Other takers are welcome also, until
committments are established).
--Douglas M. Hinds, Director General Centro para el Desarrollo Comunitario y Rural A.C. (CeDeCoR) (Center for Community and Rural Development) - (non profit) Petronilo Lopez No. 73 (Street Address) Apdo. Postal No. 61 (Mailing Address) Cd. Guzman, Jalisco 49000 MEXICO U.S. Voice Mailbox: 1 630 300 0550 (e-mail linked) U.S. Fax Mailbox: 1 630 300 0555 (e-mail linked) Tel. & Fax: 011 523 412 6308 (direct) e-mail: dmhinds@acnet.net, dhinds@ucol.mx, cedecor@acnet.net, cedecor@ipnet.com.mx
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