Reviewing Vision 260
Vision 260 was adopted by the CGA Board in 2022 and guides the work of the CGA. Central to the vision is the foreseeable growth in citrus volumes over the ten years from 2023 to 2032. Although the original vision was based on an increase from 165 million to 260 million cartons, revision of the long term model peg the level closer to 230 million. However, the 260 million mark remains the ambition.
An initial period to 2027 has been chosen to track progress – with the volume anticipated to increase to 205 million cartons over that period. With the first year now behind us (2023) it is worthwhile to check how progress is going.
Mandarin volumes in 2023 tracked slightly ahead of Vision 260 predictions. This was driven by growth in the EU, UK, Asia, and Middle East. Growth in Asia, North America, and Russia lagged a bit on predictions.
Asian growth was largely driven by China and Hong Kong, with significant increases in volumes.
Initial estimates put the 2024 season ahead of the Vision 260 target.
Lemon volumes tracked slightly behind predictions in 2023. Although EU, UK, and Russia showed increases ahead of expectations, Asia, Middle East, and North America did not reach the predictions.
Initial estimates put the 2024 lemon prediction slightly below the Vision 260 target.
Orange volumes tracked slightly ahead of Vision 260 targets in 2023.
The EU, North America and Russia showed increases ahead of expectations while Asia, the Middle East and the UK did not reach the predictions.
Initial estimates put the 2024 orange prediction ahead of the Vision 260 target. In fact, oranges are ahead of targets for 2024 and 2025.
Grapefruit volumes show the most volatility. After tracking below 2023 levels, the 2024 estimate is ahead of both the targets for 2024 and 2025.
2023 Volumes were impacted by a big decrease in exports to China and a moderate decrease to Japan. These were offset to a certain extent by increases to the EU and Russia.
Welcoming Mozambican citrus growers to CGA
Mozambique’s citrus industry has taken a significant step towards growth and sustainability by joining the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA). The CGA and the Mozambique Citrus Association (MCA) signed a memorandum of understanding this week. In joining the CGA, Mozambican farmers will now have access to a wealth of expertise and support.
Tertius Strauss, Mozambican citrus grower and General Manager of Verdant Produce Mozambique, is excited about the development: “This is the start of what will turn out to be an incredible journey. A journey that will continue for generations, as we are establishing an enduring citrus industry in Mozambique. At present it is very small, about 350 hectares, but it has so much potential. Joining the CGA is one of the ways we are getting citrus in Mozambique up and running and onto the global stage.”
The CGA and its group of companies will empower the MCA in a number of ways. These include receiving technical assistance from Citrus Research International (CRI), advanced training by the Citrus Academy, and increased access to international markets through established CGA channels.
“Even though right now there are only two large citrus farms – one near Maputo and one near Massingir – it is not about the number of growers, but about the future possibilities. For instance, the orchards at Massingir are only three years old. It employs 150 people at the moment, but when the project is completed it will provide over 800 jobs,” Strauss explains on behalf of the MCA.
The MCA is a broad-based grouping of stakeholders that are engaged in the citrus industry. They are motivated to establish a flourishing Mozambican citrus sector by leveraging their unique advantages, which include the nearby Port of Maputo. Lemons, Valencia oranges and Grapefruit are currently grown in the South of the country.
The CGA already represents over 1 560 growers from South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. It is a great pleasure to welcome our Mozambique neighbours as well. We are now a truly united Southern African industry association. The world appreciates the quality of citrus from our region. This represents immense opportunities for everyone in Southern Africa. By working together, growers across borders can achieve greater efficiency, competitiveness, and profitability.
Minister Didiza and Minister Patel
It is a great loss for agriculture, but a great benefit for South Africa as Minister Didiza leaves her position as Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to take up the post of Speaker of Parliament. Minister Didiza had two stints as Minister of Agriculture, in both cases contributing to some important milestones for the citrus industry. In 2004, during her first term, Minister Didiza signed the protocol that allowed South African citrus entry into the Chinese market, and in her second term, she optimised this access further by signing a revised protocol that allowed for higher-temperature shipping for lemons to China.
Last year the Minister graced the CGA by opening the CGA Citrus Summit – and her opening words – “Tough times don’t last, tough people do” – will be the theme for the CGA Citrus Summit in 2025.
Minister Didiza was always available for consultation and provided sage advice as the industry grappled with tough times over the past few years. We would like to thank her for her support of the citrus industry, and we wish her well as she serves the country during these important times.
The CGA also commits itself to supporting the Acting Minister of DALRRD, Minister Senzo Mchunu. We also look forward to working with the next Minister, once the new cabinet is announced.
Minister Patel, of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), will also be leaving his position as he retires from government service. Minister Patel has been a great supporter of the citrus industry as well. Whenever he hosts a visiting delegation, he always goes to great lengths to proudly tell them about the nutritious and delicious citrus fruit produced in South Africa. The Minister has been vociferous in his view that the EU measures relating to the import of South African citrus are unjustified, unnecessary, and discriminatory. The CGA appreciates the Minister taking the EU citrus measures to the World Trade Organisation Dispute Resolution Board in order to bring about some relief, and we wish him well in his retirement.
The exceptional growth potential of the citrus industry gives it a unique place in South African agriculture and trade. The CGA knows that our interests align with that of a government, seeking economic growth and prosperity for all.
Justin Chadwick, CEO, Citrus Growers Association
