Citrus industry responsible for preserving SA’s export markets

The onus will from now on be very firmly on local citrus producers, packers and export agents to act responsibly in terms of applying the guidelines set by the Citrus Growers’ Association, to mitigate the risk of fruit contaminated with the fungal disease causing citrus black spot (CBS) from leaving SA shores.

- Advertisement -

This was according to Zhann Meyer, Africa head, global commodity finance at Nedbank Capital.

In his reaction to the EU’s recent announcement that SA citrus imports will be subjected to more stringent criteria, Meyer said producers will have to self-regulate and ensure symptomless fruit for the export markets.

He said the citrus industry will be required to scrutinise every batch of fruit ready for export and to ensure that no fruit that carries CBS is contained in a shipment.

- Advertisement -

“If they don’t, and black spot is found at import stage in the EU, the South African industry could potentially loose access to the US$1,4 billion (R14,8 billion) European citrus market for the 2014 export season.

“The impact could be disastrous not only for the SA citrus industry, but also for the EU, who is dependent on SA for almost 30% of its imports on an annual basis,” said Meyer.

South Africa is the world’s second-largest exporter of citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit, and exports about 650 000t of citrus to the EU annually. “During its peak harvesting season from April to end October, the industry directly employs more than 120 000 people,” said Meyer.