From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.
Sashnee Moodley:
There has been three years of intense collaboration between the EU and the South African Citrus Growers Association, which had resulted in record South African citrus exports, as the domestic industry acclimatises to the EU’s controversial citrus black spot measures. Anine Killian tells us more.
Anine Killian:
The EU was the biggest export market for South African citrus farmers and CBS had been a major challenge for farmers to comply with says South African Citrus Growers Association CEO Justin Chadwick
SA Citrus Growers Association CEO Justin Chadwick:
Anine Killian:
Chadwick stated that together with the Department of Agriculture industry developed a risk management system whereby many steps were involved to ensure that citrus fruit complied with EU regulation and was free of the disease.
SA Citrus Growers Association CEO Justin Chadwick:
Anine Killian:
He noted that it was a very complex system that required a lot of administration and resources from farmers, which was expensive.
SA Citrus Growers Association CEO Justin Chadwick:
Anine Killian:
EU head of delegation to South Africa Ambassador Marcus Cornaro said that South African citrus exports to Europe were surging and were at an all time high.
EU head of delegation to South Africa Ambassador Marcus Cornaro
Anine Killian:
He noted that the reason EU import regulations were so strict regarding citrus fruit was because Europe was also a citrus producing area.
EU head of delegation to South Africa Ambassador Marcus Cornaro
Sashnee Moodley:
Other news making headlines this week:
Gauteng reveals potential bidders for R3.5bn Gautrain rolling stock contract
Pointing to a sustained increase in ridership figures that continues to place strain on the Gautrain’s limited capacity, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Dr Ismail Vadi has outlined the business case behind the decision to embark on a R3.5-billion acquisition of additional rolling stock for the rail network.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.