The recent suspension of some fruit shipments from CBS-affected regions has been described as 'unfortunate' due to trade disruptions, but the Citrus Growers' Association (CGA) of Southern Africa believes alternative export markets and timing will help limit the damage.

It was recently announced that as of Monday (Sept. 8), South African citrus producers from the Eastern Cape would stop packing fruit for export to Europe. The suspension does not include mandarins.

CGA industry affairs manager Paul Hardman told www.freshfruitportal.com the decision was made by the Department of Agriculture following consultation with the association's CBS committee, and was designed to prevent any additional EU restrictions against South Africa.

"We'll pursue ongoing discussions with the European Union about the basis for the measures themselves that have been put between us, but that is an ongoing engagement with them," Hardman said.

"For now obviously the suspension means for the tail end of this season there won't be any fruit from CBS areas in South Africa, and then we will have to see how 2015 goes."

There has been an ongoing disagreement between the EU and South Africa over the potential risks associated of CBS being transmitted via fruit since 1992, which Hardman said was causing irritation within the industry.

"The measures themselves have been challenged by South Africa since way back, so there is some frustration with that, but at the moment there is a need to comply with the existing EU requirements and the recent decisions are based on meeting those requirements," he said.

"It's unfortunate that it's disrupted trade - we had hoped that could be avoided - but given the threat of additional measures we felt it was the best decision to suspend trade for now."

Hardman added the consequences of the suspension would not be as severe at this time of the year compared to if the move came  during the country's peak citrus season.

"We are towards the end of our season - so fortunately the volumes expected are less than what they could have been - but I think those consignments will be diverted to alternative markets at the moment," he said.

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