This report examines a stringent cold-treatment program for citrus moving from South Africa into the European Union. It marks the culmination of years of effort by agricultural groups and authorities in Southern regions and the Valencian Community, aiming to curb pest incursions that threaten local orchards and plantings. The policy, introduced after extended negotiations, seeks to prevent the entry of fruit that may carry pests before it reaches European ports and processing facilities.
Prior to the regulatory implementation, South Africa shipped containers under schedules that did not yet align with the new rules. By the time the measures took effect, a number of shipments were blocked at entry points because they lacked the required cold-treatment certification. After several weeks, South Africa asserted that it had reached an agreement with the United States that would allow a portion of its consignments to proceed. Official statements indicated that more than 300 of 509 containers had been cleared, with the remainder in transit. At the same time, stakeholders described a broader impact, estimating that around 2,000 containers faced disruption as the European Union enforced the new safeguards and its own phytosanitary standards.
reactions
Farm groups and regional associations that championed stricter controls on fruit imports reacted to the developments with a mix of concern and resolve. The president of the Valencian Farmers Association, AVA-Asaja, questioned the implications for trust between the EU and exporting nations if shipments proceed without full compliance. He warned that allowing fruit to enter under ambiguous conditions could undermine phytosanitary safety and the integrity of the EU’s regulatory framework. The executive emphasized that protecting citrus and a broad range of European crops hinges on consistent application of the approved procedures, to avoid compromising plant health and market stability.
A representative from the Llauradors Union, speaking on behalf of growers, argued that citrus exports should only advance under the standard that applies at the moment of admission. The general secretary noted that shipments arriving before the rule came into force could create uncertainty and potentially obscure pest risks rather than reveal them. He insisted on strict monitoring for pests and stressed that any affected stakeholders must be identified and considered, so that the overall safety of the supply chain is preserved. The union contended that any attempt to rush shipments could fail to demonstrate pest-free conditions, and that honesty about the testing and certification status is essential for long-term confidence in trade between regions and the EU.