South Africa halts orange exports to EU

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

South Africa will voluntarily stop shipments of Valencia oranges to the European Union (EU) from areas affected by a fungal disease, the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) said recently.

The decision to halt exports to the EU comes after ten incidents in which citrus black spot disease was detected on South African citrus, the CGA’s chief executive Justin Chadwick said in a statement.

Read more about India’s approval of importing South African apples and pears here.

Chadwick said the voluntary decision was meant to safeguard South Africa’s long-term access to the EU, its biggest export market, which accounts for over 40% of orange shipments and 27% of soft citrus, according to South Africa’s National Agricultural Marketing Council.

“With a month left of the current export season, the CGA and the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum boards have taken the decision to voluntarily close the export of Valencia oranges from citrus black spot affected areas in South Africa to the EU starting 16 September 2022,” Chadwick said.

Read more about the Southern Africa Plant Breeders’ Association’s symposium here.

South Africa’s citrus sector, which generates R30 billion ($1,73 billion) in annual exports and employs 130 000 people, has this year struggled with high costs for fuel, fertiliser and shipping, as well as rule changes implemented by the EU in June.

The EU implemented new phytosanitary rules requiring enhanced cold treatment for orange imports from Africa, amid concerns over false coddling moth (FCM), a pest which affects citrus fruit. The move disrupted shipments from South Africa, which initiated a dispute settlement case at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the matter.

Read more about Gamtoos farmers’ water challenges here.

The dispute was eventually settled after negotiations by the two parties, clearing 1 350 shipping containers of citrus fruit which had been stuck at EU ports for weeks.

The standoff cost South African citrus growers nearly $12 million, Chadwick said. – Reuters

Must read

How to prepare for an El Niño drought: Expert tips

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes As South Africa braces for the potential return of El Niño, producers across the country need to be prepared to navigate the challenges that come with this climate phenomenon....

Veldbrande verwoes Daniëlskuil-omgewing

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes Daniëlskuil en omliggende plase is die afgelope week bykans heeltemal deur veldbrande vernietig. Die brand het Maandagmiddag, 18 September, net buite Postmasburg vermoedelik begin toe ’n vragmotor se band...

Free State government invests in producers

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is taking action to overcome the challenges facing the sector. Member of the executive council (MEC), Saki Mokoena, says the...

SASAS Northern Branch hosts successful student industry day

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes The South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) Northern Branch recently hosted its annual student industry day. And what an inspirational day it was. Why is a student industry day...

SA Vleismerino Super Ramskou

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes Die SA Vleismerino-telersgenootskap het ‘n super ramskou tydens Nampo Kaap in Bredasdorp, aangebied. Koos de Wet van Graaff-Reinet het die BKB Meeste Punte-toekenning verwerf en is ook as die...