South Africa citrus blackspot update: EU decision is postponed until end of March

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A decision by the European Union over whether to or not to extend an EU ban on South African citrus imports has been deferred until the end of March.

The ban was originally implemented by the European Commission’s Standing Committee on Plant Health in late 2013 – after the South African season – in order to prevent citrus blackspot infecting Europe’s blackspot-free citrus crop.

As the 2014 season approaches, commencing around April, the issue has become critical for citrus growers, shippers and ...