Citrus Growers voluntarily stops Valencia orange exports to EU countries

The South African citrus industry is said to be voluntarily doing without exporting its last harvest of Valencia oranges from Citrus Black Spots affected areas to European Union countries. 

According to the Citrus Growers Association, the decision will come into effect as of next week starting on Friday. 

This comes as a massive blow to a sector that is looking at selling 3.3 million crates less having been dealt blows by Covid-19 price increases, higher freight rates, the Ukraine war fertiliser and fuel price hikes as well as stringent market conditions. 

IOL published that CGA and the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum Boards said this decision was taken in response to the 10 CBS notifications of non-compliance (NONCs) on SA citrus detected so far this season. 

In addition, the decision is influenced by the traditional heightened risk that Valencia oranges pose for CBS non-compliance at the tail end of the EU export season. 

“While this closure will serve as another blow to growers who have faced one of the most challenging seasons to date, continued access to the EU market over the longer-term must be prioritised,” CGA CEO Justin Chadwick said in a statement. 

“This decision also shows South Africa’s phytosanitary CBS Risk Mitigation System being implemented effectively.” 

The statement further revealed that market closure will be rolled out in a staggered approach, with the last day of inspections on Valencias in Northern regions set for the 16th of September. 

On the 23rd of September, inspections in areas such as Gamtoos Valley [Patensie]. East Cape Midlands and Sundays River Valley will be conducted. 

However, it is reported that Mandarins, grapefruit, lemons, and navels from CBS-free areas will not be affected. 

Furthermore, CGA CEO explained that to date, 138 million 15-kilogram cartons of fruit have been packed for export to key markets across the world. 

“The latest prediction is that 167.2 million cartons of citrus will be shipped by the end of the 2022 season, which is 3.3 million cartons less than what was predicted at the start of the season,” he added. 

The CGA confirmed that challenges in the industry meant that 20 percent of citrus growers are likely to achieve above break-even returns at the end of the 2022 season. 

The association also raised fears that this could pose a threat to the sustainability and profitability of the sector and the 130 000 jobs it sustains as well as the R30 billion in export revenue it generates annually. 

Main Image: Cirus Farm/Highlands Citrus Growers