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The Citrus Growers' Association says while the South African citrus industry is facing uncertain times, its immense growth trajectory is assured, if market access opportunities are seized and logistics challenges are urgently addressed.
This was the message at the 5th Citrus Summit, which brought together the entire citrus industry in Gqeberha this week.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen said South Africa's citrus industry created countless jobs in rural communities.
He said the potential elimination of the American Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) would put thousands of jobs at risk and could have a domino effect throughout the citrus value chain.
Steenhuisen urged all stakeholders to prioritise the renewal of AGOA with the United States, or at least trade tariffs and agreements allowing producers to keep citrus products flowing to overseas markets.
He also highlighted the urgent need to explore and develop new markets, particularly in Asia, the Middle East and India.
The incoming CEO of the CGA, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, underscored the industry's potential.
"Increased market access is crucial. Projections show the industry can create 100 000 jobs by 2032. It can do this by increasing exports with roughly 95 million 15kg cartons to 260 million cartons," he said.
