European diplomats visit South African citrus operations
Amidst concerns over citrus black spot (CBS), European delegates visited South African farms and packhouses recently to observe control measures in place, according to a newsletter from the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) of Southern Africa. 
In addition to EU Ambassador to South Africa Roeland van de Geer, other dignitaries included Spanish Ambassador Pablo de Benavides Orgaz, Dutch Agricultural Counsellor Niek Schelling and other representatives from the EU, Spain and Italy.
The CGA thanked Lara Swart of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for putting the group together.
"After seeing all the documentation and administration required to meet export requirements, the group inspected the chemical stores and observed a spray machine in the orchards," the CGA said.
"While in the orchards the group saw first-hand how fruit is selected for the ethephon testing; in addition to seeing pickers going about their business.
"The packhouse was the highlight for the visitors – with packing in full swing the advanced technology could be observed in action, while the job opportunities presented by an export packhouse was very evident."
The newsletter highlighted a Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) inspector was present to explain his role in phytosanitary and quality assurance.
"The group also observed the next steps in the testing of fruit from the orchard – the dipping of fruit into ethephon and two week storage.
"Once again the administration in the packhouse was really impressive – as was the information carried on the business end of the carton and the pallet identification."
The CGA said van de Geer was impressed by the "samewerking" (collaboration in Afrikaans) between the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), DIRCO, PPECB and the CGA and Citrus Research International (CRI).
"This was an opportunity to show that the industry is totally committed to CBS control – extensive measures, procedures and controls are in place.
"This should result in a dramatic decrease in number of interceptions in the EU.
"He [van de Geer] was confident that he could report back that South Africa is serious about meeting EU requirements."
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