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Black citrus growers have seen an increase of 40% in production in the last year despite the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
This is according to the Citrus Growers Association and the Grower Development Company.
CGA GDC General Manager, Lukhanyo Nkombisa, says in the last year, local black citrus growers provided 400 000 cartons of fruits to grocery stores in the country.
“The citrus industry has spent over 10 years creating structures such as the Citrus Grower Development Chamber (CGDC) to assist, guide and advise the CGA-GDC on the needs of black citrus growers, so that the GDC may provide them with the support they need to thrive."
He said the CGDC is run by black producers who ensure that the citrus industry is committed to supporting the initiatives that will result in the establishment of an inclusive citrus industry, with a sound transformation agenda.
Nkombisa said these transformation initiatives are partly made possible by the new statutory export citrus levy, gazetted In December last year by Minister Thoko Didiza. The levy will be funded by 1250 citrus growers over the next four years with 20% of the new levy being allocated to the development of black citrus growers.
He added that 75% of the growers exported their products to the global market and provide employment to over 7 000 permanent and seasonal staff during the pandemic.
CEO of the CGA, Justin Chadwick, says “The Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) is an initiative of the Presidency to stimulate inclusive growth in the agricultural sector. The CGA has committed to the development of this plan. With a solid base of successful black citrus growers, initiatives driven by the CGA GDC will assist in ensuring sustainable development.”
