SA approaches WTO in EU citrus measures dispute
The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa has sounded the alarm at what it said were unscientific and discriminatory measures placed on citrus exported from South Africa to the European Union.
South Africa said it disagrees with the measures taken by the EU to combat incidents of citrus black spot (CBS) - a fungal disease - which spreads the false codling moth (FCM), which damages the fruit.
The disease causes a reduction in both the fruit quantity and quality.
This week, the government requested that the World Trade Organisation intervene, with the country seeking the establishment of two panels to address the EU's regulations on the two separate plant health issues.
In a joint statement with the national departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development as well as Trade, Industry and Competition, the group said the regulations were being challenged "to protect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the local citrus industry".
In the statement, Justin Chadwick, the CEO of the CGA, said that in 2023, South Africa exported 36% of all citrus to the EU.
"That shows what an important market it is for our growers. It is the very foundation of citrus profitability in SA," he said.
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'BILLIONS'
Chadwick added that should the EU continue with the implementation of these measures, or intensify them in any way, the profitability of hundreds of growers will be negatively affected and the industry will suffer severe revenue and job losses.
Currently, South African citrus growers spend billions of rands per year complying with CBS and FCM measures that the industry considers unscientific and unnecessarily restrictive. South Africa already has an effective, world-class risk management system that ensures safe citrus exports.
Emerging citrus growers are especially hit hard by the EU measures, the statement read.
The Acting Director-General of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, further clarified the government's actions at the WTO.
"It must be understood that the WTO process is not confrontational or aggressive.
"The goal is scientific truth and fairness [and] we are making use of the WTO mechanisms available to us to find an amicable solution."
