EU imposes emergency control measures on South African citrus

The European Commission has decided to introduce stricter rules for imports of South African citrus in order to protect local crops from citrus black spot (CBS).

In a release today, the Commission said new measures would include recording pre and post-harvest chemical treatments and mandatory registration of packing houses, as well as on-site official inspections at citrus orchards.

South African authorities will also need to take a sample of at least 600 of each type of citrus fruit per 30 metric tons (MT).

“All fruit showing symptoms will be tested. Moreover, a sample per 30 tonnes of ‘Valencia’ oranges will also be tested. No distinction between citrus fruits for fresh consumption and citrus fruits for processing is made,” the release said.

The new rules were endorsed by member state experts and are expected to be adopted in the coming days.

“Plant protection on EU territory is of the utmost importance and the EU had no choice but to impose a stricter inspection regime for South African citrus fruit. Systematic sampling and testing of consignments should prevent this harmful plant disease from taking hold in Europe’s citrus orchards to the detriment of our farming sector,” Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg said.  READ MORE

Source: Freshfruitportal.com