The European Union is not backing down when it comes to Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and will give South Africa no relief from the stringent compliance measures that are costing the industry R1.86 billion annually. This was the message from the EU at a post-season meeting in Brussels recently where the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) and a delegation of SA citrus producers presented the country’s mitigation measures and proof of its success in preventing CBS symptoms on fruit arriving in the EU. 2018 has been South Africa’s best performing year since the implementation of the CBS measures, with only two interceptions for the entire season – significantly fewer than several other countries. Argentina had 17 interceptions, Brazil 12 and Swaziland and China three each. It’s a record that becomes even more significant when considering the volume of fruit moved. According to Deon Joubert, Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) special envoy: market access and European Union (EU) matters, South Africa exported over 800 000 tonnes of citrus to the EU during the 2018 season (up to 40 000 containers), yet only two consignments were intercepted with CBS symptoms. None of these tested as viable fungi. Joubert said it was a feat of which the industry was extremely proud but it came at an exceptionally high price. “R1.86 billion is a lot of money for a cosmetic issue,” he said. The EU, however, was not as impressed, and while they told representatives at the meeting that it was a good achievement, it was clear that no relief would be given to allow South Africa to reduce the amount of money being spent on dealing with CBS. Their response was “it’s good but go and do more of the same”, an attendee at the meeting told FTW. There are question marks over how sustainable the risk mitigation measures are at R1.86 billion per year.
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SA’s two interceptions for the entire season compare with Argentina’s 17, Brazil’s 12 and Swaziland and China with three each. – Deon Joubert
