Heavy rainfall leads to losses of R94 million in December for South Africa's tomato sector. Supply was also short during the month, with fresh produce markets around the country receiving up to 700 tons fewer tomatoes daily.For more stories, go toWhile many farmers generally welcome rain, it has cost South Africa's tomato industry at least R100 million during December alone.
The recent rains have resulted in South Africa's five main fresh produce markets receiving between 500 to 700 tons fewer tomatoes daily in December, Garret said. As a result of decreased tomato volumes delivered to markets, prices moved shot up from R7 per kilogram to R12 per kilogram between the start of December to the end, an increase of 71%.
The agricultural sector has not only experienced excessive rains, but it has also had to contend with hail damage in areas such as the North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga, Agri SA's executive director, Christo van der Rheede said.