The Citrus Growers Association (CGA) has warned that new pest control rules imposed by the European Union (EU) may slash South Africa’s orange exports to Europe by 20% this year, potentially endangering numerous jobs.
In response to concerns over False Codling Moth and Citrus Black Spot, the European Union (EU) implemented stricter regulations last June, mandating enhanced cold treatment for citrus exports from sub-Saharan Africa. These measures aim to mitigate the risk of pest infestation and ensure the integrity of European markets.
According to CGA president Justin Chadwick, the current projections indicate that approximately 20% of oranges intended for shipment to Europe will remain unsent this year due to the newly implemented regulations. This statement underscores the significant impact these regulations have on the export volume and highlights the urgency in finding solutions to mitigate the consequences faced by citrus producers.
As per the Perishable Products Export Control Board of South Africa, the country holds the position of the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, trailing only Spain. Last year, South Africa successfully sold 32% of its orange production in the European market. This statistic underscores the country’s substantial presence in the global citrus industry and emphasizes the potential ramifications of any disruptions or challenges faced in exporting to Europe.
Regarding the recently imposed EU regulations, Chadwick expressed his dissatisfaction, describing them as “unfair and discriminatory.” These rules stipulate that all South African oranges intended for Europe must undergo pre-cooling at temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius (35.6°F) for 20 days before shipping. Chadwick further estimated that compliance with these regulations would necessitate a substantial investment of $75 million in new cold storage technology and capacity.