EU citrus ban: A black spot on Tina's DAFF legacy
28 May 2014
Yesterday evening the European Commission imposed even stricter import requirements for South African citrus fruit to Europe. This follows a pre-existing European Union (EU) ban on South African citrus products instated last year.
Former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson's failure to contain the citrus black spot epidemic and Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies' inability to reassure the European community that everything will be done to prevent black spot from spreading are to blame for this dire situation.
South Africa is the world's biggest exporter of oranges and the largest shipper of grapefruit and it is estimated that we are responsible for 70% of the EU's citrus consumption. The citrus black spot outbreak undoubtedly poses a significant risk to our economy, international reputation and even food security.
Currently, the citrus industry employs 40 000 permanent workers and an additional 40 000 seasonal workers. This ban is jeopardising 80 000 local jobs and could cost the country over R13 billion per annum.