Tons of oranges rot in containers blocked in European ports and risk destruction, as South Africa and the European Union clash in a trade dispute over import rules.
South Africa, the world's second largest exporter of fresh citrus fruits after Spain, lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) last month when the EU introduced new phytosanitary requirements which growers say , threaten their survival.
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The measures came into force in July when ships carrying hundreds of containers full of South African fruit bound for Europe were already at sea, leading to them being blocked on arrival, according to the southern association. -African Citrus Growers Association (CGA).
"
It's a complete and utter disaster
," CGA CEO Justin Chadwick told AFP.
"
Food of exceptional quality, which does not pose any risk, vegetates there... It is truly a disaster!"
".
The EU rules aim to tackle the potential spread of false codling moth, an African pest that has a thing for oranges and grapefruits.
EU requires extreme cold treatment of all oranges destined for European tables and holding at or below two degrees Celsius for 25 days, which South African growers say is not necessary , the country already having more targeted means to prevent infestation.
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In its complaint to the WTO, South Africa argues that the EU requirements are “
not based on science
”, that they are “
discriminatory
” and excessive.
And they put additional stress on an already proven industry.
“
It will add costs.
And right now, that's what no grower in the world can afford
,” says Hannes de Waal, who runs the nearly century-old Sundays River Citrus farm (southeast).
