CGA confirms no new Greening Disease threat in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has addressed recent media reports, reassuring the public that there is no new threat from citrus greening disease affecting the country’s citrus industry.

This comes amidst growing concern due to misinformation circulating in the media.

Justin Chadwick, CEO of the CGA, clarified that African Citrus Greening (ACG) is not a new challenge for the industry. “Contrary to media reports, the local citrus industry is not facing a new disease threat,” said Chadwick.

He explained that ACG has been present in South Africa since 1932 and is being successfully controlled through established measures.

ACG is a well-known citrus disease in the region. The government has implemented strict regulations to prevent the spread of the disease from affected areas to those that are greening-free.

“There are effective controls in place, and the movement of propagation material from affected areas is strictly prohibited,” Chadwick emphasized.

Chadwick also highlighted that ACG cannot be transmitted through fruit or seeds. This dispels concerns that the disease could spread through citrus exports.

“Any suggestions that export citrus can spread this disease is incorrect,” he added, underscoring the safety of South Africa’s citrus exports.

The CGA took this opportunity to correct any confusion between ACG and other citrus diseases. ACG is distinct from Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as Asian Citrus Greening or Yellow Dragon, which is not present in South Africa.

“ACG and HLB are two different diseases, spread by different bacteria and vectors,” said Chadwick, emphasizing that ACG is far less destructive than HLB.

Despite challenges such as climate and economic pressures, Chadwick expressed optimism about the future of South Africa’s citrus industry.

“African Citrus Greening is not a threat to the future of our citrus industry. In fact, the future is looking bright,” he said, referring to the sector’s continued growth.

South Africa is one of the largest citrus exporters globally, and the CGA remains confident in maintaining this position. “Our citrus growers are dedicated, and we maintain high phytosanitary standards,” Chadwick added.

WTO case clarifications

Addressing unrelated matters, Chadwick noted that recent cases involving Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and False Codling Moth (FCM) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) are not linked to ACG.

The South African citrus industry has argued that the European Union’s regulations around CBS and FCM are excessive and unscientific, resulting in high compliance costs for growers.

This is particularly difficult for emerging black farmers, who are heavily impacted by the additional financial burden.

“The EU’s measures are unfair and not based on sound science,” a representative from the citrus industry commented. South Africa has taken these concerns to the WTO, where panels have been established to review the case.

In the face of such regulatory challenges, South Africa’s citrus industry continues to thrive, supported by a combination of strong local growers, effective disease control measures, and a robust commitment to maintaining high export standards.