SA citrus industry needs a collaborative approach for long-term sustainability

Paul Makube, economist at FNB, looks at the challenges facing the citrus industry in the near future

- Paul Makube

South Africa’s citrus industry has been a major contributor to the country’s agriculture sector, and its overall gross domestic product, for many years. Despite facing numerous challenges in recent times, the sector has managed to achieve a steady annual compound growth rate of 11% in gross production value over the past five years, allowing it to not only continue to bolster South Africa’s economic recovery, but continue providing nearly 150 000 employment opportunities.

However, despite this success, the industry continues to face several challenges that threaten its sustainability and, as it enters the 2023 export season, these challenges are falling under a bright spotlight.

This is according to Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB, who points to a combination of domestic and global headwinds as presenting something of a perfect storm for the country’s citrus industry.