The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) has announced that SA is now a member of the dtic.

Requested that representatives of European Union in the World Trade Organisation regarding

To phytosanitary regulations for trade in the context of phytosanitary regulations South African citrus by the European Union

(EU).

This initiative was initiated in order to seek a long-lasting solution for the phytosanitary rules of the EU.

Citrus Black Spot (CBS) is a way to safeguard the lives of tens of thousands of people who live in

The local citrus industry. The actions adopted by SA Government SA Government has the support of the Citrus

Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA)

CBS is an aedesium disease which can cause visible blemishes and blemishes on the fruit. In spite of

some of the most renowned scientists in the world the world’s top scientists have proven the world’s top scientists that CBS is not transmitted through the fruit itself

for a way to get there as a way to get there, for a possible route, EU continues to impose measures to South African citrus growers.

This involves a thorough spray schedule along with inspections at orchard as well as the level of the packhouse

that will result in significant financial burdens and with other unintended effects for the South African

industry.

Thoko Didiza Minister for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has highlighted the

important role of employment in the industry of citrus. “Rural economics across the nation are dependent on

the export of citrus as the production of revenue. At present, the sector is unable to manage the R2 billion

which is required to conform to the EU’s restrictive trade rules.”

Ebrahim Patel Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition stated the importance of “the EU market

is one-third of all exports to South Africa and is central to the success of

the industry of citrus. The volumes of the EU’s citrus industry can’t be used by the other markets. The discussions

They are an important step towards taking the WTO to find a solution for South Africa’s problems. This

is the culmination of many years of efforts made by South Africa, through good trust, to come up with an agreement

alternative to the trade restrictions imposed implemented by the EU to South African products. We believe that the EU should not be able to impose trade restrictions on South African products.

The measures taken of the EU cannot be considered to be justifiable that the EU’s actions are not proportionate, appropriate or justified”.

Justin Chadwick, the CEO of CGA, Justin Chadwick said that CGA declared that “the business community is pleased with the this government’s

action and industry is seeking a quick solutions to the problem given the

The consultation process is beginning as the citrus harvest season starts”. The projections show

If all stakeholders in the industry join forces, the sector could create an additional 100 million 15kg containers within the next 8 years. “This will create a hundred thousand new jobs as well as generate an extra R20 billion in revenue annually However, this possibility could be lost in the event that the EU market shrinks,” he said.

The move by government officials of the South African government seeks to ensure the protection of an agricultural sector

is a major contributor to the country’s economy. This is because the South African government looks forward towards

constructive dialogue constructive consultations EU for a mutually beneficial solution.

For further information, click here.

Bongani Lukhele

BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za

Tel: (012) 394 1643