From Reuters South Africa:
South Africa has referred the European Union to the World Trade Organisation over Brussels' threat to refuse entry to South African fruit because of citrus fungal disease black spot, trade minister Rob Davies said on Thursday. In a statement, Davies called the threat "protectionist", saying there was no scientific consensus to support the EU's claim that fruit from South Africa with the fungal disease could infect European orchards. South Africa is the main source of oranges for the juice drunk by consumers in Britain, Germany and France during Europe's summer. Southern European growers fear the fungus could take hold in their citrus groves. Davies said the ban on South Africa's citrus fruit was "aimed at restricting highly competitive citrus imports to the benefit of citrus producers in the EU". The EU did not immediately respond to request for comment.
For more, visit Reuter's website.
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