BRIEFING ON THE STATUS OF THE CITRUS BLACK SPOT (CBS) PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY...
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Transcript of BRIEFING ON THE STATUS OF THE CITRUS BLACK SPOT (CBS) PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY...
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
Invest in Technology, Research & Development, Human Resources