South African citrus exports to the EU remain under a cloud following the news that the European Commission is proposing to push ahead with an import suspension, in response to recent interceptions of fruit said to be affected by the disease black spot.
Earlier this year, under growing pressure from Europe's own citrus suppliers, the EC said it would suspend imports were the number of cases to reach five. Following a meeting of its Standing Committee on Plant Health, that number is now reported to have reached 32.
However, it remains unclear how much real appetite the Commission has for pushing through such a ban. The issue of black spot remains a highly politicised one and one that, some have observed, is potentially influenced by protectionism on the part of Spanish producers who have called for no such ban on Argentinean citrus affected by the same disease.
With South Africa's citrus deal now all but done, the focus is likely to shift to the country's Ministry of Agriculture as exporters continue to lobby for a speedy resolution to the issue, which overshadowed what was nevertheless a highly productive campaign in terms of export sales.
According to a spokesperson for the EC committee, a final decision on the proposed ban would only come later in the year and following its next meeting in late November, well into the off season.
'There is an internal Commission clearance process to follow, so no proposal as yet,' the spokesperson said. 'If such a proposal is presented at the next meeting and voted on immediately, it will be December by the time it takes effect.'
As a result, no restrictions are expected on South Africa citrus imports to the EU for the time being other than voluntary restrictions which the country has previously indicated it would apply.
'As regards next season, it remains the intention to consider whether any changes to requirements are needed in light of the forthcoming EFSA opinion, which it is expected will be available in January,' the spokesperson concluded.
