While citrus holds the biggest potential for South African agricultural exports in terms of value, the outlook for 2023 is cautious and role players are reluctant to voice expectations or to commit to forecasts.
“It’s difficult at this point to make predictions. We’ll only be able to comment on the 2023 season after our Citrus Marketing Forum meeting in March, ” Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), told Farmer’s Weekly.
According to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) Baseline Agricultural Outlook for 2022 to 2031, the risk of weak global economic growth in the medium term, with a probability of high inflation, could have serious implications for South Africa’s fruit exports.
Over the past decade, the industry saw an average annual growth in the area planted to citrus: oranges showed a 1,5% increase in plantings; soft citrus a 17,6% increase; and lemons a 15,1% increase. Grapefruit, marginally down by 0,8%, was the only citrus crop that showed a decline in the planted area.
Despite uncertainty on the market, the BFAP report showed that the industry was still growing, as indicated by budwood sales. Moreover, many farmers had invested in netting to increase the quality and packout rates of their fruit.
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 6+13 January 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 6+13 January 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
