03 May 2024
By: Michelle van der Spuy
An agreement between the Citrus Growers Association and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is expected to help black citrus growers in the Eastern Cape to commercialise.
The 18-month agreement, valued at R1,2 million, will also provide better access to export markets for black citrus growers.
Initially, it will support 10 of the 37 black citrus growers in the Eastern Cape, the country’s second-largest citrus-producing region after Limpopo. It will assist them in meeting Global GAP and Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (Siza) certification requirements.
“Producers must meet both of these certifications to access markets open to the citrus industry,” said Akho Skenjana, senior manager of manufacturing and agri-processing at the ECDC.
The agreement will also lead to a feasibility study for the establishment of post-harvest infrastructure such as a warehouse and packing facility to generate additional income for black farmers and the agricultural sector.
The study will confirm the need for these facilities as well as its location, size, capacity and required volumes. The current plan is to establish a packing facility for the Katrivier Valley in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape hinterland.
Lukhanyo Nkombisa, general manager of the Citrus Growers Association’s company for growers’ development, said the agreement is part of its goal to promote development in the citrus industry and contribute to transformation. It is intended to be expanded into a five-year partnership with strict focus areas.
Obstacles for emerging farmers
Nkombisa said black farmers face several obstacles regarding Global GAP and Siza certifications, including the costs associated with implementing certification standards, the development of compliance policies, annual fees and the establishment of systems, auditing and infrastructure.
“Black citrus growers are still establishing themselves in this industry and therefore struggle with the required skills due to limited resources and an understanding of the processes.”
Nkombisa said export markets have clear requirements and if farmers do not meet them they are considered deregistered and may only sell their products locally.
“If a farmer has targeted a specific market and implemented his production plans accordingly, it represents a lost opportunity and loss of income that is necessary for his growth and sustainability.”
According to Nkombisa, agreements like this empower black farmers in the citrus industry by providing the right support so the resources made available to them have the maximum impact. “The result of these interventions is growth in the industry and its exports, as well as greater inclusivity.”
Retha Louw, CEO of Siza, said the non-profit company offers a three-year compliance programme for small farmers in the Western Cape. The programme is funded by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and expanding it to the Eastern Cape is under discussion.
“As small farmers become part of Siza’s programme, we support them over a three-year period until they are audit-ready and consequently can undergo a third-party audit to gain market access,” said Louw.
There were many obstacles in the compliance requirements but also a lot of support from the programme. “The reality of the Siza requirements is that if you do not meet the Siza standards, you also do not comply with South African legislation,” said Louw.
“Compliance and subsequent market access cannot really be separated from legislation because compliance requirements are based on legislation, especially regarding Siza.
“Our programme embraces two aspects, namely the socio-ethical labour aspect and the environmental requirements. When you have successfully completed the programmes and received your Siza certificate, you are ready to enter both the local and overseas markets.”
Christi Venter, team leader of training development at Global GAP, said its Primary Farm Assurance programme is aimed at small and emerging farmers and aims to build capacity.
“The idea is a step-by-step approach to certification, especially for producers who cannot immediately obtain Global GAP certification. This is one of our Global GAP solutions that we offer on an international scale in various countries.”
Visit https://siza.co.za/emerging-growers/ and https://www.globalgap.org/what-we-offer/solutions/primary-farm-assurance/ for more information.
