Apples and pear production in South Africa is recovering from the impact of an ongoing drought. Western Cape Agriculture Department revealed that the export sector on the two fruits projects a comeback.
According to the Western Cape Agriculture Department, the Western Cape contributes significantly to South Africa’s apple and pear exports. The province contributes over 85 % to the country’s apple exports while pears are at 88%.
Challenges
However, due to hail damage, drought and high summer temperatures, the 2018 Tru-Cape apple and pear crop reduced by about 10% in volume leading to a drop in export income. South Africa’s apple exports stood at R6.6-billion last year and pear exports at R3.1-billion. Provincial Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer has raised other concerns about some inefficiencies the Cape Town Port which could exacerbate challenges experienced by the sector reports.
He said challenges include trade facilitation and the impact of COVID-19 on global shipping operations. The Western Cape Cabinet has approved the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the province and the United States (US) State of California for the agriculture sector.
The agreement will see the province collaborate with California on key projects in the sector. Premier Alan Winde noted there will be numerous trade and investment opportunities including technology, the green economy and tourism.
