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

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 3

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.

Measures to reduce CBS prevalence: CBS Risk Management System  Identifies appropriate liable role player in value chain (producer, exporter, pack house)  PPECB & DAFF inspections: Certification & Inspection  Mandatory registration of production units and pack houses  “Alert list”, “Black-list” and re-instatement lists  Mandatory orchard and pack house inspections  Inspections at port of exit  Regular updating of interception information 6

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8 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).

9 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

10 Actions undertaken to date (continued)  Pursue continued compliance from Citrus Industry in accordance with the CBS Risk Management System 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

11 Next Steps  Awaiting further communication from EU on additional measures  European Commission Standing Committee on Plant Health (met on Oct’ 13)  Current European Community Directive expected to still be in place in 2014  Strengthening the CBS Risk Management System in SA

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