In 2021, Southern African citrus growers exported 161,6 million 15-kg equivalent cartons of local citrus. This amounted to 18,6 million cartons more than last year, despite logistical difficulties encountered during the season.
Agricultural economist Dr Kobus Laubscher has stated that the success in terms of exports resulted in the citrus industry making a valuable contribution to the improvement of the South African economy.
Paul Hardman, acting CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, pointed out that the ongoing challenges experienced at the country’s ports were intensified by civil unrest in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in mid-July, which resulted in the Durban harbour being closed for days on end.
This in turn was followed by Transnet declaring a force majeure across all ports as a result of a cyber attack, which coincided with the height of the citrus export season.
Hardman: “With these challenges in mind, the fact that the local industry achieved another record-breaking export season in 2021 was truly remarkable. This was only possible due to the close collaboration and partnerships within the industry and with government, and the extraordinary efforts of growers.”
Source: farmersweekly.co.za