19 Feb 2023

The Ministry of Agriculture has refuted social media allegations that it issued permits to individuals and or companies to import citrus trees from Citrus Black Spot (CBS) infested areas in South Africa.

A press release from the ministry states that it has never issued such permits as claimed by certain individuals through social media platforms because CBS is a quarantine due to its economic impact in citrus production.

“It should be noted that the importation of citrus seedlings is only allowed from the following areas; Western Cape and Northern Cape in South Africa and Dodhill in Zimbabwe at the moment, while the ministry is still establishing the pest status of other areas and countries,” states the press release.

Section 11.1 of the Plant Protection Act states that no person shall import any plant, plant product or any other regulated articles unless they obtain a permit from the Division of Plant Protection, and any person who imports any plant, plant product or regulated articles shall declare the item to a plant health inspector at the entry points, the release states

The ministry appeals to the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement of citrus plants into the country. ends