The South African citrus industry has requested government authorities suspend issuing phytosanitary certificates for fruit to be exported to Spain, following concerns over how tests for citrus black spot (CBS) are carried out in the European country. 

The decision was taken last week at the first Citrus Summit in the Limpopo province, part of which involved providing growers with feedback regarding the CBS risk management system and ongoing research into the disease.

In a newsletter from the Citrus Growers' Association (CGA) of Southern Africa, CEO Justin Chadwick explained that while the citrus industry had a 'comprehensive and robust' CBS risk management system, it was also important that identification of non-comliance in the EU was done correctly.

"During 2014 a South African expert was denied entry into facilities carrying out CBS testing in Spain; in addition the notifications from Spain included the statement that they inspected asymptomatic fruit," Chadwick said.

"The methodology and ability of Spanish officials to correctly identify viable CBS is unknown – clearly a big concern for South African exporters.

"As a result the Summit delegates concluded that sending citrus to Spain was a risk until such time as clarity on the testing methodology is obtained and that competence to identify noncompliance is assured."

Chadwick added the decision to suspend shipments to Spain was then discussed by the CGA Board, who decided that it was in the best interests of South African citrus growers to request the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) stop issuing phytosanitary certification for shipments to Spain.

"This is not an easy decision as South Africa would like to supply all customers with the fruit they desire, but in the interests of securing the market and meeting the EU's demand of reducing interceptions it is the right decision," he said.

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