European Standing Committee decision on black spot
South African growers can breathe a little easier, but not out of woods yet
Citrus fruit imported from South Africa will be subject to more stringent criteria such as recording pre and post-harvest chemical treatments and mandatory registration of packing houses as well as on-site official inspections at citrus orchards. A sample of at least 600 of each type of citrus fruit per 30 tonnes will need to be taken by the South African authorities. All fruit showing symptoms will be tested. Moreover, a sample per 30 tonnes of 'Valencia' oranges will also be tested. No distinction between citrus fruits for fresh consumption and citrus fruits for processing is made.
According to Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg, "Plant protection on EU territory is of the utmost importance and the EU had no choice but to impose a stricter inspection regime for South African citrus fruit."
During the 2013 export season (from April to November) around 600 000 tonnes of citrus fruit were imported from South Africa. This represents approximately one third of the EU's total import of citrus fruit, with oranges being the main citrus commodity.
Justin Chadwick from the South African Citrus Grower's Association said that while the Committee's agreement on an Implementing Decision relating to citrus black spot is a welcome end to the uncertainty for the industry, the long term prospects for the R8 billion foreign currency earner, 120 000 jobs and their 1.2 million dependants are far from certain.
"The decision brings a certainty to the industry and, encouragingly, does not legislate automatic bans after a set number of black spot interceptions – a position mooted in the past. Ominously however, the decision does leave room for “additional measures” to be imposed after 5 interceptions."
"The long term prognosis for the industry however remains in the balance. The South African citrus industry have gone to great lengths and excessive cost to demonstrate their commitment and respect towards the European position on CBS - including testing regimes and a comprehensive risk management process," comments Chadwick. "This is simply not economically sustainable nor fair as South Africa has been singled out for special treatment by the EU in this regard."
Nigel Jenny from the British FreshProduce Consortium stated, “We are deeply disappointed that there was insufficient support for the UK proposal for a derogation for citrus for processing. The Commission failed to take on board the recommendations of its own scientific experts to recognise the demarcation between citrus growing and non citrus growing regions.”
“After so much effort FPC has helped to secure a more sensible outcome which we believe can be achieved by South African exporters. This will ensure that the UK can continue to import South African citrus,” said Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of FPC. “The Commission fails to have a consistent approach to applying control measures on different countries with regard to plant health exceedances. Communication with the industry when issues are identified is too little, too late. It really is a lottery, rather than a risk based approach to plant health controls. Let’s hope that the Commission’s approach does not hinder European exports to third countries,” added Nigel Jenney.