The South African citrus industry has decided to suspend exports to the European Union (EU) with immediate effect. 

Website Agri Orbit reported the measures would not apply to soft citrus and exports from the Western and Northern Cape.

The decision was made following a special meeting of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) Citrus Black Spot (CBS) Disaster Management Committee.

The industry has requested the Department of Agriculture to give effect to this decision by suspending inspection and the issuing of phytosanitary certificates for all EU citrus exports, except on soft citrus and all citrus exports from the CBS-free areas.

The South African citrus industry in partnership with the South Africa government, have worked tirelessly over the past six years to maintain South Africa’s comprehensive CBS risk management program.

The decision to suspend export was taken as a measure to ensure continued access in future to the EU market. 

The citrus industry has in the past suspended citrus exports to the EU to avoid any further detections of CBS which could threaten market access.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com