SA’s citrus industry continues to generate billions in export revenue despite dry conditions in the northern areas of the country that have severely affected some growers and squeezed production levels.
However, the extended strike at the Ngqura Container Terminal near Port Elizabeth, as well as ongoing problems with infrastructure, staff and logistics at all SA ports, have proved a nightmare for fresh-produce exporters, the CEO of the Citrus Growers Association CEO, Justin Chadwick, said on Monday.
“Despite events beyond the grower’s control, such as drought and container terminal delays, the industry continues to bring R20bn into the country as export revenue. While the packed total is lower than last year’s bumper crop of 136-million boxes, production remains very high and a valuable source of both income and jobs for SA,” Chadwick said.
Chadwick said while some growers were struggling due to dry conditions in the northern areas of the country, the broader industry was in general good health.