Citrus export suspension a proactive measure

Last week’s announcement
by the Citrus Growers’
Association (CGA) that
it would be suspending
exports to the European
Union (EU) with immediate
effect is expected to have
minimal impact on the
industry.
The suspension excludes
soft citrus and exports
from the Western and
Northern Cape and was seen
as a proactive measure to
minimise the risk of citrus
black spot (CBS).
According to an industry
source, the EU tariff
deadline kicks in in early
October and from that time
there’s a significant decrease
in volumes.
“We’re not cutting back
dramatically on exports but
are rather cutting back on
the small tail-end season
where the quality may not
be the same and it may be
more susceptible to CBS.”
In a statement released
last week, CGA CEO
Justin Chadwick said the
industry had requested the
Department of Agriculture
to give effect to this decision
by suspending inspection
and the issuing of phyto
certificates for all EU citrus
exports, except on soft citrus
and all citrus exports from
the CBS-free areas.
“The SA citrus industry
in partnership with the SA
government has worked
tirelessly over the past six
years to maintain South
Africa’s comprehensive
CBS risk management
programme,” said Chadwick.
“This decision was taken
as a measure to ensure
continued access in future
to the EU market, which is
of significant importance
to all industry
stakeholders, not to
mention the 100
000 people we
employ.”