The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) and the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum boards have voluntarily closed the exports of Valencia oranges from areas in SA affected by citrus black spot (CBS), to the European Union effective 16 September, reports Moneyweb.

In a statement issued yesterday, the CGA’s CEO Justin Chadwick noted that the decision follows 10 CBS notifications of non-compliance on citrus detected and the heightened risk that Valencia oranges pose for CBS non-compliance at the tail end of the EU export season.

The association said the market closure will be rolled out in a staggered approach, with the last day of inspection on Valencias in Northern regions being 16 September while the Gamtoos Valley, East Cape Midlands and Sundays River Valley are due for final inspections on 23 September.

It notes that mandarins, grapefruit, lemons and navels from CBS-free areas will not be affected.

CGA said the new regulation, which came into effect on 14 July, saw up to 1 350 containers of citrus detained at EU ports for several weeks, resulting in local growers incurring over R200m in losses.

The association said it remains committed to working with government and other value chain partners to ensure local growers can survive over the short term and that the industry remains a key economic and job contributor in the country.

Full Moneyweb report