EU gives SA cheese imports the nod

SAY CHEESE and the South African dairy industry begins to smile again. Cheese producers in this country can now export their products to Europe once again. These were stopped shortly after the SA-EU free trade agreement was signed in January 2000, when EU inspectors found that three major local factories failed to meet export registration requirements. An upgrading process was implemented as a result to comply with EU specifications, and South African producers have now been given the green light to export 5 500 tons, mostly cheddar, to Europe under the duty free agreement. It will mean a cost saving to local producers of more than R140 million annually. At the same time EU authorities have moved against oranges from this country with black spot, a skin problem which does not affect either the texture or quality of the fruit. But there are EU fears that orchards in Europe may be affected.