Citrus producers in Argentina have warned that inactivity the national institution responsible for plant health is putting the future of the industry at risk.
Dante Grigolatto, president of the Citrus Federation of Entre Rios (FeCiER), said Senasa is beginning to lose credibility after failing carry out regular inspections for HLB and other diseases. “As we all know, once you lose your reputation it is very hard to regain,” he said.
Grigolatto noted that having received only lukewarm support from the government, it is being left up to producers themselves organise meetings with regional technicians in order to educate themselves about the symptoms of citrus greening.
“We understand from local Senasa officials that the organisation is having problems securing access to funds and support from the government, which goes against its stance on providing credit and other support for the citrus industry,” he said. “These delays are wasting valuable time and this disease waits for no one.”
Grigolatto said that the arrival of HLB would have a devastating effect on the region’s citrus industry and the fault would lie solely with Senasa.
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