A new EU rule on the cold treatment of South African oranges is all the global citrus industry is talking about. But why was Mzansi pressured into implementing new rules when our citrus industry is widely known for its sophisticated risk management system?
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Deon Joubert from the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), unpacks this and more. He also delves into how the European Union’s new legislation regarding the refrigerated treatment of African oranges affects local farmers and the sector in totality.
Joubert, who is CGA’s special representative for market access and EU matters, explains what the regulations are and why they have been enforced by the European Commission’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Foods, and Feeds.
According to local industry experts, the new cold treatment rules are not necessary since South Africa has been using a sophisticated risk management system called the False Coddling Moth management system (FMS) for the past three years.
He explains why this system has been impressive in dealing with FMS on the borders of Europe.
“The systems approach we use, means we do a lot of inspection. One of the aspects of the systems approach we follow, is to transport the citrus in cold conditions to Europe.
This would eventually kill FMS and therefore not be a risk to Europe, Joubert explains.
Finding solutions
In the episode, he also shares the impact these new regulations have on the local citrus industry and communities dependent on citrus production.
According to Joubert, resolving issues of this nature takes time, unlike trading techniques, which can be resolved in a week.
“This will take a year or two…we are trying to discuss measures which would lessen the current impact, and try and find practical solutions for farmers at the moment.”
In the podcast, Joubert also discusses:
- Citrus industry growth and expansion over the past two decades; and
- What new farmers need to know about international trade; and more.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
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Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast
ALSO READ: From this week, SA citrus could be destroyed in Europe
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