EU: South Africa and Zimbabwe account for the majority of pest detections in imported citrus

Published Oct 15, 2024

Tridge summary

In September, 19 cases of citrus fruits imported into the European Union were found to contain quarantine pests or diseases, with 12 of these cases originating from South Africa and Zimbabwe, both part of an economic agreement with the EU. The main issue is the Phyllosticta citricarpa fungus, causing Citrus Black Spot, which has led to an additional cost of 40% for Valencian citrus producers due to the need for increased phytosanitary measures. Local agricultural associations like La Unió and AVA-Asaja are criticizing the EU's current measures and calling for stricter controls on citrus imports from South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as addressing the broader issue of inadequate pest and disease management in South Africa. They also urge the EU to challenge South Africa's complaint to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding European phytosanitary measures, highlighting concerns over the safety of citrus imports from these countries and proposing restrictions on South African citrus fruits.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Of the 19 interceptions of citrus fruits imported into the European Union with quarantine pests or diseases during this past month of September, 12 came from South Africa (7) and Zimbabwe (5), both countries included in the economic agreement of the EU with the countries of southern Africa, according to La Unió. Precisely in September was when the bulk of citrus exports from the two countries extended to the European markets and it is when the shelves of supermarkets and hypermarkets are filled with South African fruit that can still be seen and that has slowed down our start of the campaign. The seven interceptions in South Africa are of the Phyllosticta citricarpa fungus that causes the dreaded Black Spot or Citrus Black Spot, the same as the five in its neighbor Zimbabwe. Both countries increase the interceptions in relation to the same month of last year. La Unió estimates that the last six pests introduced into our territory, most of them imported, have meant an extra cost of ...

Source: Valencia Fruits