Thai citrus protocol on the cards

Thailand’s bountiful citrus trees may be harvested three or four times a year, but South East Asia’s year-round high temperatures make them susceptible to fungal disease. This presents an opportunity to SA logistics providers who handle local citrus because Thailand is finalising the technicalities of opening its market to the SA product as early as next year. The Citrus Growers’ Association reported last week that Thai officials would be in SA mid-2012 for an inspection tour of the citrus industry, from groves to packing houses to transport, and are working with DAFF on a trade protocol.