As the 2024 citrus season approaches in South Africa, the orange sector is navigating the challenges posed by European Union (EU) regulations on the false codling moth (FCM). Implemented in 2022, these rules have notably impacted South Africa's orange exports to Europe, a key market. The EU's mandates for cold treatment and additional FCM inspections have introduced significant hurdles for South African citrus growers.
Following the enforcement of these regulations, orange exports to Europe witnessed a 9% decline by volume in 2022, totaling 570,020 tons, as per industry figures. The downward trend persisted into 2023, with export volumes dropping to 469,465 tons, marking a 25% decrease from the pre-regulation levels in 2021.
Source: iol.co.za