Phyto issues rule as markets become fussier

Complying with stringent phytosanitary measures continues to be a challenge for many developing nations – including South Africa – which has to continuously find ways of complying with stricter measures while remaining globally competitive. According to Stuart Symington, CEO of the PPECB, phytosanitary issues have affected our exports for decades. “Pests and diseases are not static things, and the industry has to stay abreast of all new developments on the phyto front,” he told FTW. “I think markets, however, have become fussier in their outlook to possibly importing pests and diseases into their countries. This means they have become more vigilant in their approach, creating the perception that issues like citrus black spot (CBS) are on the increase.” Apart from the obvious food safety issues of importing phyto-affected food, there are also food security issues to consider, said Symington. “For example, no country can afford to decimate its domestic crops through the careless introduction of foreign pests and diseases.” Whilst all products have their various phyto challenges, the most pressing problem facing South African exporters currently is in the citrus industry where citrus black spot (CBS) is threatening South Africa’s access to the EU market. “Close on its heels is the whole chapter of chemical residues on foods, and the maximum residue levels (MRLs) that should be closely observed by exporters of foods to other countries.” Finding solutions to these phyto challenges is crucial. “Fortunately, our scientists, growers, government officials and politicians have been managing the CBS problem as a collective for years,” said Symington. “These types of agricultural trade challenges are not unique to South Africa, and are very complex in nature. The European Union has recently insisted on stricter measures being implemented by South Africans when sending citrus products to the European Union.” To date (by 10 July 2014) there have been no CBS interceptions on South African citrus in the EU. “This is a positive ref lection of the efforts made by all parties concerned,” said Symington. Another ongoing concern is chemical residues on foods. “The goalposts are shifting as supermarkets in foreign countries become stricter on what amounts of residues are acceptable from a health point of view. Some supermarkets are insisting on zero residues, making the production and export of certain foods a near impossible task,” said Symington. Commenting on how South Africa compares with other countries with regard to phyto challenges, Symington said it was difficult to establish as countries’ phyto performances varied from year to year depending on a myriad factors, including weather conditions, farmers’ ability to spray their crops, and the prevalence or not of insects and food moulds (mycotoxins) in a particular season. “Some countries are more fortunate than others, with natural geographical endowments leading to lower phytosanitary risk profiles,” he said. INSERT & CAPTION Some overseas supermarkets are insisting on zero chemical residues, making the production and export of certain foods a near impossible task. – Stuart Symington