Publications
Partners
THE South African citrus industry has developed a large media profile in recent times - almost entirely due to our dispute with the European Union on whether Citrus Black Spot on South African citrus poses any risk to citrus orchards in the EU. And while the interest and attention is merited for an industry that employs 120 000 people, it means that other initiatives are lost in the relative media shadow.
For instance, the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) has established a Grower Development Company to significantly improve transformation in the industry, and to provide the sort of sustainable support for developing black citrus growers that will create success stories for the industry.
Citrus growers established the CGA after agricultural deregulation in 1997, because growers were concerned that some functions previously carried out by the Citrus Board, would be discontinued or downsized.
Almost immediately, the CGA established a Transformation Initiative to contribute to the development of citrus growers. It has since participated in a number of the government’s transformation-focused agricultural initiatives, like mentorship, extension services, research and development, and grower skills development.
But the industry was not convinced that this was nearly enough. A situational survey of 118 emerging growers was conducted by the Citrus Academy in 2013/14 to establish a baseline of information about these growers. The findings, together with prevailing knowledge, gave critical direction for the CGA Grower Development Company.
It is an unfortunate fact that many well-intended land redistribution- and restitution initiatives have resulted in degenerating farms due to a lack of skills, as well as inadequate funding and governance knowledge amongst beneficiaries.
Also, South African emerging growers face untold difficulties in their efforts to successfully export citrus. An absence of key financial and management skills among growers is also a hindrance to growers’ ability to access credit, negotiate better business deals and remain competitive.
Therefore, the CGA’s planned vision of the Grower Development Company is to support the establishment and growth of sustainable and profitable black citrus growers with market linkages to ensure food security, jobs and wealth creation.
The National Agricultural Marketing Council has adopted guidelines for transformation of the agricultural sector, which the SA citrus industry is raring to apply to this establishment of the development company.
This Not For Profit company will initially receive grant funding from the CGA for 4 years, commencing in 2015. The R6m earmarked for 2015 will escalate at 5% per annum for the following 3 years. The funding at the company’s disposal will be sufficient for it to render required services for 4 years. And it’s expected that the company will make a significant impact on the transformation of the citrus industry.
In line with its vision to support the development of black growers, the company’s core focus areas of support will be:
• production infrastructure and technical support
• business management support
• facilitation of access to funding
• facilitation of market access
• project governance through social facilitation.
When it comes to environmental impact, the planned company aims to consciously strive to promote sustainability, and to demonstrate environmental cognizance in all of its projects.
Promoting the involvement of women, youth and disabled persons in citrus production will also form a significant part of the company’s focus.
* Justin Chadwick is the CEO of the South African Citrus Growers Association
