On the eve of the start of the 2023 citrus season, industry body the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has written to Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel and Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza requesting an urgent update about the government’s interventions to help resolve the current impasse between South Africa and the European Union (EU) concerning the new False Coddling Moth (FCM) regime governing the importation of South Africa oranges to the region.

“Despite months of consultations between both parties at a World Trade Organisation (WTO) level, it appears very limited progress has been achieved to avert the crisis that will face the industry should growers have to implement these new regulations when oranges start being shipped to European markets in less than two weeks’ time,” the CGA states.

It highlights that this includes an estimated R500-million in losses to growers and about 20% of oranges produced for Europe not being shipped this season.

“With the industry facing a number of serious headwinds over the past two years, including soaring farm input and shipping costs; power outages and operational issues at ports, the 2023 season will be a make or break one for many growers. As a result, these new regulations, if implemented when the season kicks off, could be the final nail in the coffin for many of them as well as the thousands of jobs they support,” the CGA warns.

The organisation says that, while it is grateful for the support shown by the national government to date, urgent action is needed before the end of this month to avert the impending crisis facing the sector and to safeguard the future sustainability of the industry, as well as the 130 000 jobs it supports.

The CGA says this includes calling for the establishment of a WTO panel to adjudicate on the matter.

“The CGA maintains the position that the unjustified, discriminatory, and scientifically flawed new regulations are nothing more than a political move by Spanish producers to block South African citrus from entering the EU.

“It is critical that national government draws a line in the sand within the next two weeks, so we put a stop to this looming crisis threatening the number one agricultural exporter in our country. The CGA remains committed to continue working with national government on this critical matter in order to ensure the short-term and long-term survival of our industry,” the CGA emphasises.