More countries aim to join WCO - World Citrus Organization

Fresh Grapefruit

Fresh Mandarin

Ricardo Lopes

Published Dec 4, 2020

The World Citrus Organization (WCO), launched in October 2019 by seven leading citrus producing countries: Argentina, Chile, Italy, Morocco, Peru, Spain, and South Africa, is making good progress in increasing its membership, and soon will represent 70 per cent of the world's citrus producing countries.

According to a statement issued by Justin Chadwick of Southern Africa’s Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA), seven new members have agreed in principle to join the organization. “Together the fourteen member countries will represent 70% of global citrus exports - creating a powerful global platform for dialogue and action between the citrus-producing countries worldwide," said Chadwick.

The seven new member countries are Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Egypt, Greece, Portugal, and the US. The WCO is administered by Freshfel Europe, the European Fresh Produce Association.

While the WCO is still a work in progress, its aim is to discuss common issues affecting citrus-producing countries, exchange information on production and market trends, preparing scenario’s for citrus trade in 2030, while also fostering dialogue on policy issues of common concern. The WCO will also play a role in identifying and promoting innovation projects specific to the citrus sector, liaising with public and private stakeholders on citrus-related matters to highlight the importance of citrus producers and the need for a fair return; and promote the global consumption of citrus.