Today's global fresh produce trade environment is one of over-supply and an extensive diversity of produce types. Together with the dismantling of tariffs, these factors have resulted in technical, sanitary, phytosanitary, environmental and social considerations becoming the primary trade regulatory issues. The ability to adequately address these considerations determines the level of access to the world's markets.

CRI has been commissioned by the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa to research and develop the technical issues required to enhance access of southern African citrus to world markets. This includes requirements for opening new markets, retaining and improving access, to existing markets.

The market access imperative is incorporated into all components of CRI's business. It is therefore a core objective throughout CRI's operations rather than a true division of CRI. Prof. Vaughan Hattingh as Chief Executive Officer for CRI is responsible for co-ordinating CRI's deployment in pursuit of the citrus industry's access to markets.