Anton Kruger, FPEF
"South Africa: EU ban on citrus potentially "a serious issue"
"Membership is voluntary, but we can count 85% of fresh fruit exporters within our membership. We present a united voice for the industry on issues such as logistic and market issue to name but a couple. We collect information for our members and make it accessible for them."
The Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (FPEF) was registered in 1998 as a non-profit industry organization. Its membership is voluntary and open to all companies that export fresh fruit from South Africa. It was established primarily to provide leadership and services to its members and the international buying community.
Whilst its membership is voluntary, strict accreditation criteria are put in place to ensure that only competent and reliable marketing agents and grower-exporters are admitted to the Forum. Among the criteria for members there is a code of conduct and a credit check.
On the issue of a possible ban on citrus imports to the EU due to tightened limits on Citrus Black Spot finds, Anton explained that they are involved with the Citrus Grower's Association and Government on the matter. "This is a very serious issue as 50% of South African citrus goes to the EU. South Africa is increasing the number of inspections at the ports, pack houses and on farms. The producers in the small affected areas are also increasing the amount of spraying taking place. It must be made clear that the Citrus Black Spot is limited to certain areas in the country and other areas are free of CBS."
He conclude by saying it is a multi-faceted issue which must be tackled on various levels.
For more information:
Anton Kruger
FPEF
Tel: +27 21 526 0474
Email: anton@fpef.co.za
www.fpef.co.za