Citrus crops hit by plant pests are a rising concern this summer. AVA-Asaja and the Unió Llauradora have reported a growing number of interceptions of imported citrus at Brussels’ sanitary controls, where pests or diseases are detected. The trend shows no sign of slowing, and the current figures already exceed last year by more than double for the same period. Data gathered by La Unió indicate that interceptions rose from 64 between January and July 2023 to 122 in 2024, an increase of 58 cases.
When looking at month-to-month figures for 2024, the trend remains higher. In July, there were 33 interceptions, six more than in June. La Unió’s statement notes that among the most intercepted shipments in the latest month, 15 originated in Brazil and 11 in South Africa, a distribution that largely shapes the overall total. The organization highlights several cases of pests and diseases that are either absent or not present in European citrus production, including false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta), Black Spot (Phyllosticta citricarpa), Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas), and Citrus Scab (Elsinoe). These threats indicate insufficient sanitary guarantees in shipments from some countries.
A dedicated inspection pressure is being urged by the organization. They argue that European authorities should intensify scrutiny in nations unable to ensure sanitary safety for their exports, naming Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini, along with several South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia as high-priority sources for stricter checks.
From an analysis of the interceptions, the body emphasizes concern about the rise in black spot cases, noting an uptick in July compared with June. The report also marks the early shipments of the new import campaign from the southern hemisphere, including countries like Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and additional African nations.