South Africa’s citrus exports to China are set to become more efficient and competitive following an updated plant health protocol that introduces additional phytosanitary treatment options. The agreement between South African and Chinese authorities is expected to lower costs, improve fruit quality outcomes and strengthen the country’s position in a key growth market for citrus exports. Science-led protocol strengthens compliance The Department of Agriculture (DoA) and the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) said the amended protocol is based on a science-driven, risk-managed approach to plant health compliance, underpinned by research from Citrus Research International (CRI). The changes were developed through collaboration between South African and Chinese authorities and introduced additional pest risk mitigation treatment options for exporters. Industry stakeholders say the updated framework is expected to improve the quality of citrus reaching Chinese ...