Minutes of the Meeting of the Resh Fruit and Vegetable Working Group Held on 25 April 2002

MINUTES OF THE DECIDUOUS FRUIT ANNUAL EXPORT COORDINATING MEETING HELD ON 13 JULY 2006, AT ARC INFRUITEC, OLIVE GROVE AUDITORIUM IN STELLENBOSCH, AT 09:00.

ATTENDANCE

M. Holtzhausen (Chairperson) DoA [email protected] A. Baxter DoA [email protected] M. Silimela DoA [email protected] C. Modise DoA [email protected] K. Mashala DoA [email protected] P. Tshikhudo DoA [email protected] F. Möller DoA [email protected] M. Reyneke DoA [email protected] L. Benic DFPT [email protected] G. Hendrikse DFPT [email protected] Susanne de Waal Afrifresh/Sunpride [email protected] J. Labuschagne Capespan [email protected] J. Levings Two-a-Day [email protected] S. van Wyk PPECB [email protected] H. Claassens Kromco [email protected] Albe Nel CFG [email protected] Tanith Freeman CFG [email protected] Ken Kilpin DLC Logistics [email protected] Anneree Human Delecta [email protected] Louise v.d. Merwe The Grape Co [email protected] Herman Louw Hoekstra [email protected] A du Toit Kromco [email protected] Hanlie Wessels DoA-FSQA [email protected] Mike Grobbelaar Colors [email protected] 2

Lize Ferreira JDK [email protected] Suzette Gilfillan DFPT Research [email protected] Barry Higham Cape Reefers [email protected] Jenny Bakey Fedfa Exports [email protected] Robbie Robinson PPECB [email protected] Francois Nel EXSA [email protected] G Foster SA FPTP [email protected] Pieter Visser Afrifresh [email protected] Constant Smit Kromco [email protected] Ian McMaster Maerskline [email protected] Zorina Dawood DoA [email protected] Ria Wentzel DoA [email protected] Alton Afrifresh/Sunpride [email protected] Enslin EXSA [email protected] S Oosthuizen Cape Fruit Coolers [email protected] F Siebrits Capespan [email protected] Jv Schalkwyk Capespan [email protected] E Stroebel Capespan [email protected] Jan Coetzee 4 Seasons [email protected] Frikkie van Tiddens PPECB [email protected] Andre de Vries SAFE [email protected] Johan Bosman SA Marine & Maersk [email protected] Madre Adonis DoA [email protected] Tebogo Chipane DoA [email protected] D Smith FCS [email protected] Robin Patterson FPT [email protected] Robert Guillermo USDA, AFHIS [email protected] Dirk Smit USDA, AFHIS [email protected] Danie Klein Cape Five [email protected] Amelta Maltman Katope Cape [email protected] Danie v.d Merwe Katope Cape [email protected] 3

Rowen v.d Vyver WP Fresh Dist. [email protected] Manie Carstens WP Fresh Dist. [email protected] Ken Pringle Univ. of Stellenbosch [email protected] Shelley Johnson Univ. of Stellenbosch (DFPT) [email protected] Charl Joubert In Season [email protected] Pieter van Schalkwyk Intertrading [email protected] Andre Rossouw Le Roux [email protected] Chrsitof du Plessis Le Roux [email protected] Jan van Nes Le Roux [email protected] Charl van Den Berg Vintage [email protected] Julia Letswalo DoA [email protected] Anette Pretorious FPEF [email protected] Tony Letsoalo DoA [email protected] Daniel Schietekat De Lecta [email protected] Jaco Moelich Fruitways [email protected] Barnie Hickman Molteno Brothers [email protected] Shaun Coetzee PPECB [email protected] Francois Smit PPECB [email protected] Hein Coetzee Dole [email protected] Libby Hobson Capespan [email protected] Andries Mouton Paltrack [email protected] 4

ITEMS DISCUSSIONS/DECISIONS RESPONSIBLE 1. Welcome and objective of meeting Mr Holtzhausen welcomed all the participants and outlined the purpose of the meeting, general background and issues to be discussed. . The main aim of the meeting was to critically look at what happened last season and to improve on all the problem areas encountered. Decisions will be taken for the next season in order to enable South Africa to comply with the phytosanitary conditions of the importing countries. . He emphasized the need to abide by due dates and the importance of complying with the relevant protocols and requirements. . In order to maintain the market access, all the role players concerned must be accountable and share responsibilities in this regard . South Africa must make sure that all the measures applied are in line with the WTO - SPS Agreement, IPPC and international standards. . He also emphasized that registration is the confirmation by a producer that he/she is complying with and following all the relevant GAPs and quarantine requirements for the specific markets.

2. Attendance The Chairperson requested all participants to ensure that they complete the attendance register so that they can receive the minutes. All participants

3. Finalization of Agenda The Agenda was confirmed. The following item added to the agenda- . SOP for Traceability The following items were deleted from the agenda: . Technical – Cold Chain . Persimmons to Israel 5

4. Overview of 2005/2006 Export Mr Möller provided a presentation covering: Mr Möller season . DFPT statistics and volumes of deciduous fruit exports for the 2005/2006 season, and he congratulated the organic Grape producers for not having rejections. (Presentation attached)

Annexure 1.ppt

. Overview of PPECB cold sterilization, cold treatment certificates (Presentation attached)

Annexure 2.ppt

. Overview of problems with regard to Phytosanitary Certification and registration of PUCs, pack houses and inspection points

Mr Möller reported that immature Mealybugs and the inability to identify them using PCR caused the rejection of Pears for USA. Ms Benic noted that she provided recent relevant SA publications on mealybugs to Ms Welma Pieterse. Decision: Mr Nolan Africander (DoA DPH Diagnostics Division) will be requested to set up an expert discussion group on pest identification, including experts from ARC and the University of Stellenbosch. For more information contact [email protected]

Mr Holtzhausen indicated the following: . All production unit(s) must comply with the phytosanitary requirements of the respective special programmes; . There is sometimes of high rate of interceptions and this should be avoided – it is very important to note that high interception Mr Nolan Africander 6

rate may cause South Africa to lose a market; . It is important to make sure that GAPs, SOPs, guidelines are followed at all times, and that there is accurate documentation / record keeping to support compliance and traceability; . Good communication and shared responsibility between the DoA and all the other role players is vital. . An alternative mitigation for fruit fly has been requested from Iran NPPO

4.2 Perspective of different role players/ stakeholders 4.2.1 Growers Mr Hendrikse emphasized: . that producers have to take responsibility regarding their All producers export programme/s- compliance with control of regulated pests during production. . the enforcement of GAPS and importance of orchard registration and correct completion of the forms to ensure full compliance to avoid rejection of consignments.

For more information contact [email protected] / see the attached documents

Annexure 3.xls Annexure 4.xls

4.2.2 Pack houses Mr Classens provided the presentation and emphasized that (Presentation attached): . Fruits for different markets to be separated by 1.2 meters, . They should be insect proof, have sufficient light for sorting, availability of plant protection specialist, pest control, sanitation, and ensure clean packing material and correct 7

Annexure 5.ppt marking requirements. . For more information contact [email protected] 4.2.3 Exporters Mr Grobbelaar indicated that: . Special markets are very important to the industry; . there is a competition pressure on SA from Argentina, Chile, Brazil and other South American countries; . South American countries are supplying more products to Northern America and Europe . South African industries are also facing challenges due to the exchange rate (strong rand). . South Africa needs to grow more and make sure that they comply with importing market needs in order to stay competitive with other international markets. For more information contact [email protected] 4.2.4 Shippers Mr Higham provided the presentation. He indicated that: . Availability of ships from the export ports determines the supply and the demand of ships and cargoes worldwide. . Deciduous fruit industry is well served with normal and special shipping markets, with a base linear type of services for the peak shipping periods. . Extra competition in the shipping services is always good to keep the world economic forces operating in South Africa. . Freight rates have been generally raised since mid-2003 due to shipping demand which outstripped the supply of shipping space. . To minimize the costs shippers need to : - supply accurate shipping volumes and flow forecasts to shipping lines - keep as close as possible to booked volume and don’t leave 8

shipping lines with empty space due to last changes in volumes, - keep the required documents flowing to the lines as required. For more information contact [email protected] 4.2.5 Freight Forwarders Mr Smith: . emphasized that strict time frames and accuracy of information are very important for the industry to adhere to in order to ensure the desired results. . pointed out that incorrect details such as provision of wrong PUC by producer negatively affect the end results. . Noted the problem regarding lack of DoA officials and indicated that more capacity is required at various ports in order to avoid any delays in phytosanitary certification. . highlighted that lack of containers lead to unnecessary costs resulting from cancellation fees. . Emphasized that there should be coordination between exporters and forwarders to eliminate incorrect information and loss of products For more information contact [email protected] 5. FBO Registration (FSQA) Ms Hanlie Wessels: Ms Hanlie Wessels . Explained that FBO registration is used for food safety and traceability and it includes the registration of PUCs, PHCs, Transporters, silos, sea port terminals, cold storage facilities, Harbor and airport terminals, and other facilities. . FBO codes are allocated by FSQA. . Directorate Plant Health uses the codes relating to Production Units (PUCs), Pack houses (PHC) and Inspection Points (also the terminal/port facility in some cases) that are already allocated by FSQA for phytosanitary market registration; . Indicated that transport operators should register to ensure and facilitate traceability in terms of origin of non-complying fruits; 9

. Emphasized that the FBO registration document has been modified to ensure that there is no confusion between FBO application / registration and special market registration. . Indicated that the FBO registrations will be updated and displayed on the DoA website, and that the relevant forms would soon be sent out.

Mr Holtzhausen emphasized that filling in a registration form for special market export programmes does not guarantee approval: compliance with the requirements of the relevant special market/s must be ensured and will be verified.

6. Registration of production Mr Silimela provided the presentation (Presentation attached) unit(s),Packhouses and Inspection Mr. Holtshauzen/ Mr. points and criteria for 2006/2007 Silimela Annexure 6.ppt

For More information, contact [email protected] Mr Silimela emphasized: . the importance of registration for the special markets as an initial point of ensuring that a production unit or packing house complies with the quarantine requirements stipulated on the protocol by the importing countries NPPO. . that registration of production units, pack houses and inspection points is not only just about completing and signing the registration forms, but to show that the producer(s) and other role players understand the import requirements for the specific market and to confirm that he/she complies with all the phytosanitary measures of the importing country. 10

Industry commented that: . the registration amount is very expensive and requested DOA to look at the matter again and negotiate a better implementation of tariffs.

Mr Holtzhausen: . undertook to take this back to the National Treasury and to provide feedback to the Exporter’s Forum and relevant stakeholders when feedback is received. . He emphasized that if no proof of payments, there could be no registration and that payments could be done at the relevant offices namely Stellenbosch and Pretoria

To enable applicants for participation in special markets to make timely check-Ups on the status of their applications, DoA will place the relevant timeframes on the website (e.g. planned date when database will be placed on the website, etc) 7. Special Market Programmes 7.1 China 7.1.1 Table Grapes Mr Silimela provided the presentation (Presentation attached) Mr. Silimela

Annexure 7.ppt

For More information, contact [email protected] Mr Silimela indicated that . His presentation was based on the recently received draft protocol which is still under negotiation, but the aim of the presentation was to be proactive and to make the industry aware of the potential requirements. . Preliminary registration will be done for the 2006/7 season and 11

producers must comply with the protocol requirements. The registered facilities will be on hold until the signing of the protocol. . DOA would be responsible for monitoring of GAPs implemented according to the relevant IPPC ISPM’s and protocols, and make sure that phytosanitary inspection is done accurately Mr Holtzhausen emphasized that registration for Table Grape exports to China would be preliminary: an indication of the intention to export, until the protocol is signed by the relevant ministers of the two countries. So the tariff will not apply, and the applications will not be placed on the website but communicated through the Exporter’s Forum and relevant growers’ association. 7.2 Israel 7.2.1 Table Grapes Ms Baxter thanked all the role players involved in the approval of Hex River and inclusion of the application of as an official mitigation treatment.

DOA has received a revised protocol from Israel but Berg River area is Ms Alice Baxter/ Ms not yet included. DOA will follow up with the Israeli NPPO again Khomotso Mashala regarding this matter.

7.2.2 Persimmons Presentation was not provided due to the absence of exporters/ producers participating in this market. 7.3 Mexico Ms Baxter indicated that Mexico replied to the proposal (suggested by Ms Alice Baxter/ Ms SA industry) requesting changes to the application of the protocol, Khomotso Mashala aimed at facilitating exports. DoA received feedback few weeks ago. The proposal was turned down and all the requirements as stipulated in the protocol are still unchanged. . DOA will obtain further input from Industry and communicate with NPPO Mexico in the near future 12

7.4 Taiwan Mr Holtzhausen indicated that there are no changes regarding exports to Taiwan.

7.5 USA Mr Silimela provided a presentation. Contact [email protected] Mr. Silimela for information.

Ms Benic emphasized that the USA’s current import requirements for non-organic grapes from SA is not workable because of the 24-day cold treatment for FCM followed by fumigation with Methyl Bromide.

8. Other Steri markets Robbie Robinson provided a presentation on Cold Treatment Protocols (see Mr. Robbie Robinson the attached documents).

Annexure 8.doc

Annexure 9.doc

9. SOP for Traceability Ms Natalie Thomas provided a status report for the national Ms Natalia Thomas traceability initiative in terms of statutory requirements for food safety She pointed out that all the fruits to be exported also need to comply through understanding the interpretation of export requirements and the ability to apply traceability - which involves registration of the facilities involved. For more information please contact [email protected] 13

10. Confirmation of logistical issues for 2006/2007 season 10.1. Invitation of inspectors Invitations for inspectors to be sent by: Mr. Silimela . USA - 29 September 2006 . Mexico - 29 September 2006 . Taiwan - 29 September 2006*** . Israel - 29 September 2006 . China - As soon as protocol is signed ***Request to proceed with exports prior to arrival of Taiwan inspector.

10.2. Closing dates for 2006/2007 Closing dates for registration: Mr. Silimela registration . Israel - 29 September 2006 . USA - 27 October 2006 . Mexico - 27 October 2006 . Taiwan - 27 October 2006 . Preliminary date for China Table Grape- 29 September 2006

10.3. Inspection points DoA is responsible for inspection schedules (Contact Mr. Möller [email protected] for more information)

There will be no re-issue of Phyosanitary certificates

Inspection points to be utilized for 2006/2007 season are as follows: 1. USA Apples & Pears –Kromco, (Registered Packhouse/CA Rooms) Two- A-Day, CFG Ceres Grapes - FPT,& Piketco, Cold Harvest

2. Israel (Grapes) FPT Cape Town & 14

Persimmon -Arisa Swellendam

3. Mexico (Apples & Pears) Registered CA rooms and pack houses

4. Taiwan (Apples) Kromco, Two-A-Day, Molteno, CFG, FPT, Cold harvest Paarl

5. China (Table grapes) . Grapes = FPT, Cape Town, Durban and PE as well as MFT in Durban ** (As soon as protocol is signed) 6. Iran . Grapes/Apples = FPT, Cape Town, Durban and PE as well as MFT in Durban, CFG . ** Should the protocol be signed

10.4. Working hours The working hours were determined as follows: Mr. Holtzhausen • Official working day of 8 hours, from 7:30 to 16:00. • Overtime of two hours per day which include traveling time • Overtime during weekends and public holidays will be rendered provided there is availability of personnel and it will be done on a voluntary basis. • Maximum overtime of 10 hours/week (See the attached presentation)

Annexure 10.ppt

10.5. Risk Management procedure • USA Mr. Möller/Mr. – New phytosanitary certification procedures to ensure Holtzhauzen issuance of both PC and PPQ 203 15

– Procedures to be finalized to ensure that document are issued prior to departure of ship Mr Holtzhausen emphasized that: . GAPs and orchard sanitation should be executed by all producers . It is important for all production units, pack houses and other facilities to comply with the phytosanitary requirements of the respective special programmes . It is very important to note that one interception might cause South Africa to lose a market or otherwise stricter import regulatory actions could be applied. . It is important to note that DoA cannot inspect to correct but inspects to verify if the consignment complies with the requirements of the respective market. 10.6. Consignment size • Mexico Mr. Holtzhauzen -Apples and pears – 20 pallets • USA -Apples and pears – 20 pallets -Grapes – 10 pallets • ISRAEL -Grapes - 10 pallets -Fruit harvest per registered block • IRAN -Citrus/grapes - 10 pallets • Taiwan -Apples - 10 pallets 16

11. Closure Mr Holtzhausen thanked all participants for their attendance. Mr Labuschagne thanked DoA and PPECB for their roles in ensuring successful exports. The Meeting was closed at 14:00.