EU officials visit South African citrus growers

A delegation of European offcials visited South Africa last week to see for themselves the measures put in place to meet regulations on CBS. Among the delegates present were EU Ambassador (who is from the Netherlands), the Spanish Ambassador and the Dutch Agricultural Counsellor, EU delegate (Riaan De Lange), Spanish Economic Counsellor (Emilio Calvo) and Italian Commercial Attaché (Gerardo De Maio), they were invited by Department Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Directorate International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and CGA to visit Rosle' Farm in Groblersdal.

the delegation were exposed to the myriad of requirements, certifications and audits necessary to remain a world class exporter.

After seeing all the documentation and administration required to meet export requirements the group inspected the chemical stores and observed a spray machine in the orchards. While in the orchards the group saw firsthand how fruit is selected for the ethephon testing; in addition to seeing pickers going about their business.

The Packhouse was the highlight for the visitors – with packing in full swing the advanced technology could be observed in action, while the job opportunities presented by an export Packhouse was very evident. The PPECB inspector was on hand to explain his role in phytosanitary and quality assurance. The group also observed the next steps in the testing of fruit from the orchard – dipping of fruit into ethephon and two week storage.

This was an opportunity fro the South Africans to show that the citrus industry is totally committed to CBS control – extensive measures, procedures and controls are in place. This should result in a dramatic decrease in number of interceptions in the EU. On the way back to Pretoria Ambassador van de Geer commented that he was impressed by the “samewerking” between government (DAFF, DIRCO and PPECB) and industry (CGA and CRI). He was confident that he could report back that South Africa is serious about meeting EU requirements.

With many orchards requiring ethephon testing in a short period of time there is going to be frustration and unhappiness. DAFF is working tirelessly to get the job done, and PPECB’s turn will start soon. According the CGA all parties will need to work together to keep the fruit moving. "Growers have recognised that this is not only an EU requirement, but also an opportunity to manage their own risk."

The uncertainty regarding date of implementation is a concern – shipping is not a definite science and there is a worry that fruit could arrive in the EU without the necessary certification. With any new measure there will be teething problems; it is hoped that there will be some flexibility on arrival in the EU.