The fate of citrus exports worth about R4 billion has been hanging in the balance since last year following the detection of citrus black spot, a fungal disease that is endemic to South Africa but unable to survive in Europe.

South Africa was, after Spain and Turkey, the largest citrus exporter to world markets in 2012.

Earlier this year, the European Food Safety Authority revised its risk assessment on citrus black spot and found there was some risk associated with imports from South Africa. The authority recommended the EU regulations should be retained and compliance should be enforced.

Available: http://www.iol.co.za/business/news/eu-to-rule-on-sa-citrus-exports-1.1681811#.U2M8_KK59ts