New global platform to elevate citrus industry to new heights

THE first global platform aimed at increasing coordination, dialogue and action between citrus-producing countries across the world, The World Citrus Organisation (WCO), was officially founded at the international fresh produce trade show Fruit Logistica in Berlin this week.

The founding members of the organisation – representing 70% of citrus growers worldwide – are: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Peru, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay and the US.

The members unanimously appointed the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, and the Spanish Lemon and Grapefruit Interbranch Association, as WCO co-chairpersons for a period of two years.

Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa and now co-chair of the WCO, Justin Chadwick, said South Africa, which is a the second largest global exporter of citrus fruit, played a leading role in the formation of the WCO and, through its co-chairpersonship, would spearhead a new path for the sector, where citrus producing countries worked together.

It was also confirmed that European Fresh Produce Association Freshfel Europe will coordinate and administer the WCO, and that the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (Cirad) would provide market analysis and advice.

“The WCO’s immediate focus is to collect the production and marketing data for the industry for this season.

“The Southern African citrus industry has grown in the past decade – doubling export volumes to two million tons. Last year alone, citrus growers exported a crop of 126 million boxes of fruit to more than 100 countries,” Chadwick said.

Private entities who are interested in the fresh and processed citrus markets can also join the organisation by becoming affiliated members of the WCO.

An official website for the WCO was also launched this week and can be visited at: www.worldcitrusorganisation.org