SOUTH AFRICA – Southern Africa’s citrus industry, which generates R30 billion (USD 1.68 million) in export revenue annually, owes much of its success to decades of dedicated scientific research, reveals Dr Vaughan Hattingh, the CEO of the Citrus Research Institute (CRI).
Since the mid-1950s, the industry has committed to developing industry-specific research, leading to the establishment of the Citrus Research International and other pivotal institutions.
These research bodies have been instrumental in ensuring the production of disease-free, high-quality citrus trees through programs like the Citrus Improvement Scheme, which provides critical support to citrus growers across the region.
The Citrus Foundation Block, a cornerstone of the industry, holds and multiplies propagation material for 364 citrus cultivars available to growers.
This biosecure resource, supported by high-level technical expertise and long-term planning, has laid the foundation for over 100,000 hectares of disease-free commercial citrus plantings in the region.
“Our research and technical support have allowed us to meet the phytosanitary regulations imposed by importing countries, ensuring continued access to export markets,” highlighted Dr. Hattingh in the report.
The ongoing CRI’s 12th Citrus Research Symposium, running from August 19-21, will further highlight the role of research in the industry’s success.
This biennial event, now one of the largest agricultural research conferences in South Africa, will bring together industry stakeholders to discuss the latest advancements and future directions.
The CRI’s Extension division continues to play a crucial role in technology transfer, providing support to more than 120 000 black citrus growers across the region.
Supporting emerging farmers
Moreover, in recent years, the focus has expanded beyond just research. The CGA Grower Development Company, a subsidiary of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), has highlighted the importance of coordinated support for emerging black farmers.
The fragmented nature of farmer support initiatives has often hindered the effectiveness of transformation efforts. However, a unified approach involving government, commercial agriculture, and financial institutions has the potential to reshape the agricultural sector.
John Steenhuisen, the Minister of Agriculture, emphasized this during his recent budget speech. “We must empower new-entrant farmers to become self-sustainable and productive as quickly as possible,” he said.
Central to this empowerment is the need for comprehensive farmer support systems that cater to the diverse needs of growers. “To achieve transformation, we need a multi-faceted approach encompassing land reform, access to finance, and market links,” added Lukhanyo Nkombisa, General Manager of the CGA Grower Development Company.
The CGA has a proven track record in supporting farmers through extension programs, business development, and market readiness initiatives. Nkombisa noted, “We understand our farmers and their needs. Our goal is to help them grow in size, skill, and business acumen.”
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.
