SA takes its case over EU citrus rules to the WTO

Motheo Khoaripe speaks to Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers Association.

Listen to the interview in the audio player below. 

South Africa has requested the World Trade Organization (WTO) establish two panels to examine what, in South Africa’s view, are unscientific and discriminatory measures placed on citrus imported from South Africa by the European Union (EU).

The specific EU’s regulations pertain to two separate plant health issues: Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and False Codling Moth (FCM).

According to the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition, the regulations are being challenged by the South African government to protect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the local citrus industry.

The department says South African citrus growers are spending approximately R3.7 billion per year to comply with CBS and FCM measures.

The citrus industry has faced many challenges in the last few years, including extreme weather wreaking havoc on produce in Citrusdal, Western Cape.  

Speaking to Motheo Khoaripe on The Money Show, Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers Association says the EU's measures are unfounded.

"It's been a long standing battle to try and get the EU to understand the science behind Citrus black spot."

- Justin Chadwick, CEO - Growers Association

The citrus back spot spores that you find on the fruit will in no way be able to establish in the EU."

- Justin Chadwick, CEO - Citrus Growers Association

"...they don't have citrus black spot, so their scientists have never actually been exposed to the fungus at all, and have never really studied it."

- Justin Chadwick, CEO - Citrus Growers Association

Scroll up to listen to the interview.