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

1. 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

2. CITRUS BLACK SPOT

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

7. 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) .

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Way Forward: Recommendations • Producer compliance and awareness • Address the EU import measure • Alternative markets • Invest in Technology, Research & Development, Human Resources