EPISODE · May 5, 2025 · 34 MIN
Exposing the EU's Citrus Politics: The Fight for South Africa’s Fruit Future | Ep. 81
from Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge · host Lucentlands
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Rocco Renaldi, Chair for Public Affairs and Government Relations at Edelman, about the critical role of policy, public perception, and lobbying in the battle to keep South African citrus flowing into Europe.With nearly 20 years representing the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) in Brussels, Rocco offers a behind-the-scenes look at the European Union’s complex regulatory environment, the persistent threat of phytosanitary barriers like Citrus Black Spot and False Codling Moth, and the strategic decision to take the fight to the World Trade Organization.Beyond trade, this conversation explores branding, global consumer psychology, political fragmentation, and how perceptions of agriculture can either help or hinder market access. Rocco also reveals why South African citrus is his "favourite client" and reflects on how this industry has grown in strength, unity, and global significance.Key Takeaways:•South African citrus growers have faced escalating EU trade challenges for decades, but exports have grown due to persistent lobbying.•Many EU phytosanitary regulations are being used as non-tariff trade barriers, often influenced by protectionist agendas in Spain.•The WTO case launched by South Africa is a milestone move aimed at impartial adjudication—not a declaration of war.•Consumer awareness campaigns and branding could be better leveraged by agriculture, but they require long-term investment.•There is a widening perception gap between European policymakers and African producers—direct exposure and diplomacy are key to bridging it.•Year-round citrus trade strengthens European logistics and packhouse infrastructure, even as parts of Europe lobby against imports.•The CGA's unified levy-funded model is a global example of industry collaboration and advocacy success.Find Rocco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocco-renaldi-9479088/More about Edelman: https://www.edelman.com/Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
What this episode covers
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Rocco Renaldi, Chair for Public Affairs and Government Relations at Edelman, about the critical role of policy, public perception, and lobbying in the battle to keep South African citrus flowing into Europe.With nearly 20 years representing the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) in Brussels, Rocco offers a behind-the-scenes look at the European Union’s complex regulatory environment, the persistent threat of phytosanitary barriers like Citrus Black Spot and False Codling Moth, and the strategic decision to take the fight to the World Trade Organization.Beyond trade, this conversation explores branding, global consumer psychology, political fragmentation, and how perceptions of agriculture can either help or hinder market access. Rocco also reveals why South African citrus is his "favourite client" and reflects on how this industry has grown in strength, unity, and global significance.Key Takeaways:•South African citrus growers have faced escalating EU trade challenges for decades, but exports have grown due to persistent lobbying.•Many EU phytosanitary regulations are being used as non-tariff trade barriers, often influenced by protectionist agendas in Spain.•The WTO case launched by South Africa is a milestone move aimed at impartial adjudication—not a declaration of war.•Consumer awareness campaigns and branding could be better leveraged by agriculture, but they require long-term investment.•There is a widening perception gap between European policymakers and African producers—direct exposure and diplomacy are key to bridging it.•Year-round citrus trade strengthens European logistics and packhouse infrastructure, even as parts of Europe lobby against imports.•The CGA's unified levy-funded model is a global example of industry collaboration and advocacy success.Find Rocco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocco-renaldi-9479088/More about Edelman: https://www.edelman.com/Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
NOW PLAYING
Exposing the EU's Citrus Politics: The Fight for South Africa’s Fruit Future | Ep. 81
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.