IMPOSED EU REGULATIONS THREATEN 850 CITRUS SECTOR JOBS

PIGG’S PEAK – New regulations pertaining to the citrus industry, which have been imposed by the European Union (EU), could be a threat to 850 jobs provided by the sector.

As it is, some players in the citrus industry are exercising all means possible to reposition themselves and avert any drastic repercussions, in particular job losses. While this is happening, Per Noddeboe, the Chairperson of the Eswatini Citrus Board’s first words in an interview were: “We pride ourselves in the employment and development of the country.”

Citrus

Noddeboe is also the Director of United Plantations which owns Tambuti and Ngonini plantations. United Plantations is the leading producer of citrus fruit, including mostly oranges in the country and through this, generates millions of revenue for the country. With an agricultural history of over 70 years in the country, Ngonini and Tambuti plantations provide seasonal and permanent employment to over 850 people. This does not include jobs from other citrus producing companies in the country. United Plantations is the largest producer of citrus and accounts for 80 per cent of citrus exports. It is also a contributor to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and preserves as many jobs as possible. However, according to Noddeboe, the new regulations introduced by the EU will drastically affect the citrus industry in the country. Several jobs as well as revenue could be affected. Further, he noted that there was a need to consider alternative markets.

As of July 14, 2022, the new regulations, which have been described as draconian in some media outlets, require cold treatment of oranges heading for the EU as means to address ‘false codling moth’, from Southern African oranges. False codling moth, also known as FCM, is one of the pests affecting citrus fruits in Africa. According to the Business Report online, the regulation will result in millions of cartons heading for the EU being destroyed.

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