Black growers pushing for 50% citrus export share by 2032

Black citrus growers are driving a transformation ambition that aims to capture half of South Africa's citrus export market by 2032. The Citizen's Enkosi Selane reports.

- Enkosi Selane

Black citrus growers are driving a transformation ambition that aims to capture half of South Africa's citrus export market by 2032.

They have so far contributed 19% to the industry, surpassing targets set by the Agricultural and Agro-processing Master Plan.

However, financing remains the biggest obstacle to emerging farmers, according to industry leaders who spoke at the first Citrus Growers Development Indaba.

The event brought together farmers, government officials, banks and development agencies to address transformation challenges in the citrus sector. The event was also the first dedicated platform for black citrus farmers to collectively strategise their future in the industry.

VISION 50 FOR 2032

The black citrus farmer industry has set an ambitious target called Vision 50 for 2032, which aims to position black growers to supply half of all citrus exports within the next eight years. The transformation strategy reportedly aligns with broader government objectives for inclusive economic growth and employment creation across the agriculture sector.

However, according to the speakers, the target requires coordinated efforts across financing, technical support and market access.

Karidas Tshintsholo, CEO of agricultural technology platform Khula, said black citrus farmers have already contributed significantly to the economy through job creation and export revenues over the past two decades.

He added that the next step included developing a second transformation fund and exploring job fund opportunities to expand the support base available to farmers.

The timeline focused on the upcoming growing season as a critical period for implementing enhanced support mechanisms.

FINANCING CHALLENGES