Flood-hit citrus regions face export losses as growers count cost of devastating storms

SOUTH Africa's citrus industry is facing mounting losses after recent floods in the Eastern and Western Cape damaged orchards, disrupted harvesting operations and forced growers to revise export expectations downward at a critical stage of the export season.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) on Thursday warned that initial assessments indicate export volumes from flood-affected areas could decline by at least 5%, although the full extent of the damage is still being determined.

The industry body said some growers remain unable to access their orchards due to damaged roads and infrastructure, meaning current estimates are likely to rise as more comprehensive assessments are completed.

The most severe damage occurred in the Kouga Municipality in the Eastern Cape, particularly around the Gamtoos Valley and Patensie, one of South Africa’s most important citrus-producing regions.

Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the CGA said producers are grappling not only with immediate crop losses but also with longer-term damage to farm infrastructure and production capacity.

“While it remains too early to exactly quantify the cost of the floods, it is clear that orchards, farm structures and road infrastructure have been affected, mostly around Patensie in the Eastern Cape,”