Spain: AVA-ASAJA demands that the European Union close down South African citrus fruits

The new interceptions of pests and diseases that the European Union recorded in August confirm that South Africa has a serious problem with black spot in citrus (Phyllosticta citricarpa). The Valencian Association of Farmers (AVA-ASAJA) detailed that the country accumulated, during the last month, eight more cases of shipments infested with the fungus that causes the spot destined for the European Union, of which seven were located in lemons and one in mandarins. Added to this, 12 detections were made in June and July. In total, South African citrus fruits have already had twenty interceptions of black spot in their first three months of the export campaign, the association reported. Fearing that this phytosanitary risk will increase, now that shipments are going to reach their peak, AVA-ASAJA demanded that the European Union close its borders to South African citrus fruits. “The European Commission, starting with Ursula Von der Leyen, cannot continue to maintain such a ...