The US is considering widening access for South African citrus to a number of new production areas. The proposal covers imports of grapefruit, sweet oranges, mandarins, lemons and tangelos.
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (Aphis) said because citrus black spot (CBS) has been known to occur in some of these areas imports will need to meet certain entry conditions, including production being certified and fully traceable, being accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate and carrying an additional declaration confirming that the fruit has been produced in accordance with the systems approach.
South Africa’s bid to gain wider access to the US market comes as its exports to Europe hang in the balance following the interception by the European authorities of shipments of citrus infected with CBS in July, the same month the EU imposed even tighter controls on shipments of South African citrus.
The proposed change by Aphis is likely to be closely scrutinised by US citrus growers who
A 60-day comment period will follow before the final rule is issued.
