The European Commission's decision to ban citrus imports from areas of South Africa affected by the fungal disease black spot will have 'no impact' according to Copa-Cogeca, the organisation which represents the views of agricultural producers across the EU.
Reacting to news that the ban had been imposed, Copa-Cogeca secretary general Pekka Pesonen questioned what effect it would have given that the South African citrus season hasalready finished, adding that measures for the new season were essential in the face of a 'very high risk of contamination'.
He commented: 'Although the move is a step in the right direction, action should have been taken much earlier this year as imports have finished this season.'
The decision, described as 'inappropriate' and 'disappointing' by the South African citrus industry, was approved by member states at a meeting of the EC's Standing committee on Plant Health and applies initially only to citrus fruit produced during the 2012/13 season.
'What we need is measures for 2014 before imports start in March,' said Pesonen. 'It is crucial to protect our 500,000ha of European citrus fruit orchards and 10m tonnes of produce from being contaminated with black spot.'
The disease currently does not exist in the EU but, according to Copa-Cogeca, can be spread easily from one fruit to another – a view contested by a recent scientific study and by exporters in South Africa.
'We import 400,000 tonnes of produce from South africa and this should not put at risk 10m tonnes in the EU,' Pesonen added. 'We urge the Commission to take action immediately and suspend the import of citrus fruit from South Africa in 2014.'
