BRIEFING ON THE STATUS OF THE CITRUS BLACK SPOT (CBS)

PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

30 OCTOBER 2013

Presentation by

KCM MANNYA & DR J JAFTHA

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CITRUS BLACK SPOT

CITRUS BLACK SPOT (CBS)

Problem:• CBS prevalence in South Africa• EU perspective (CBS on fruit as a threat to the EU)

Consequences:• Loss of market• Loss of incomes and jobs

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Citrus Black Spot (CBS): Background Quarantine pest: Cosmetic effects on citrus, heavy infestation may lead to fruit dropping

SA prevalence:

CBS infected regions: Limpopo, NW, Mpm, KZN, EC & part of WC

CBS free area: Free State, NC, part of WC

CBS: low prevalence: Musina & Soutpansberg area in Limpopo

2008 Regulation of the Agricultural Pests Act requires limitation of movement of citrus

propagation material in SA

EU an important market for SA: 45%-50% of SA exports, 1.5 million tons per annum

Interceptions of CBS on SA citrus: 33 (2011), 29 (2012) and 32 (to 24 October 2013)

EU considers fruit as a pathway for CBS, SA holds a different view

In Oct. ’12 EU decided to limit CBS non-compliance to 5 intercepted consignments/ season

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CBS: Problem statement

Implications of the five interceptions per season:

Initially it was unclear if exceeding the five interceptions limit would lead to

closure of the EU market to SA

Partial clarification in Feb. ’13 facilitated bilateral discussion with EU

regulators:

− For each interception, EU to communicate all information and SA to

communicate corrective actions

− Prior to a total ban, SA will be granted an opportunity to clarify mitigating

measures.

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Actions undertaken to date

2000: SA expressed concern on the EU harmonized plant health legislation

extending strict import regulation to non-citrus producing areas

2010: International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Dispute mechanism:

Facilitated consultation with EU: 26 Feb. ’13

Outcome:

− Partial clarification of the consequences of exceeding the five interception

limit

− EU will allow public consultation on EFSA CBS Pest Risk Assessment (PRA)

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Actions undertaken to date (continued)

Meeting with EU regulatory Authorities: Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General on 18 March ’13

Purpose of the engagement

− Present the strengtened SA CBS risk management system

− Discuss EU recognition of CBS pest-free areas in SA

Outcome

− Five interceptions threshold remains

− If CBS problem is encountered prior to entry into EU territory and reported to the EU, this will not be considered part of the five

− EU committed to the finalization of the EFSA CBS PRA

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Actions undertaken to date (continued) Pursue continued compliance from Citrus Industry in accordance with the

CBS Risk Management System

Comprehensive Action Plan developed

Formal Trade Concern lodged with WTO SPS Committee

Upon reaching the five interception threshold limit:Meetings with EC Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General (4 &

13 Sept’13)SA CBS risk management system further strengthened:

- Intensified inspection- Packing of oranges (most susceptible) terminated on 18 Sept’13, except

fruit from CBS Pest Free Areas (PFAs)- Limiting exports only from low-risk production units

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Next Steps

Awaiting further communication from EU on additional measures

European Commission Standing Committee on Plant Health (met on 24-25 Oct’ 13)

Current European Community Directive expected to still be in place in 2014

Strengthening the CBS Risk Management System in SA

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Way Forward: Recommendations

Producer compliance and awareness

Address the EU import measure

Alternative markets

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