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Parliamentary question - E-004455/2020Parliamentary question
E-004455/2020

Imports of citrus fruit (oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes, pomelos, etc.) from third countries to the EU

Question for written answer E-004455/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Adrián Vázquez Lázara (Renew)

Valencia is the leading region for citrus fruit in both Spain and the EU. It has produced more than five million tonnes per year over the past decade, accounting for more than 60% of national production. This means that Spain is the EU’s top producer and exporter of citrus fruit, and the fifth in the world.

In the EU, citrus fruit from Valencia competes with imports from third countries like Egypt, South Africa, Argentina and Brazil, with which trade agreements of one kind or another are in place.

Over the past three years, however, more than 300 tonnes of fruit contaminated with various pests have been intercepted at Spanish ports. Those pests include Xylella fastidiosa , Planococcus citri , Thaumatotibia leucotreta , Ceratitis capitata , Cacoecia , Pulvinaria poligonata and Chaetanaphothrips orchidii .

Some of these were not previously present in Europe. They have no natural predators and powerful pesticides are required to treat them.

Many of them can, however, be prevented via measures such as refrigerated transport, which is already a requirement in countries such as the USA, Japan and Australia. It is also requirement for EU producers.

Last updated: 17 August 2020
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