Department of Agriculture recognises citrus growers as the second-highest contributor to sector transformation with 25.6% black farmer participation.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
The Department of Agriculture has commended the citrus industry for its outstanding contribution to the transformation of South Africa’s agricultural sector, with black citrus farmers now contributing 25.6 percent of total citrus production between 2019 and 2023.
Speaking at the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa’s Citrus Growers’ Development Chamber (CGDC) Grower Indaba at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg today, Elder Mtshiza, Chief Director of the Department’s Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme, delivered a keynote address on behalf of Director General Mooketsa Ramasodi, highlighting the citrus industry’s position as the second-highest contributor to agricultural transformation in the country.
Citrus Industry Leads Transformation Efforts
The remarkable 25.6% contribution by black citrus producers stands significantly above the national average of 13% black contribution across all agricultural commodities. This achievement positions the citrus industry as a model for inclusive agricultural development, trailing only the livestock industry, where black producers contribute 37% of total national livestock production.
“The citrus industry has demonstrated transformation is not just possible, but profitable and sustainable,” Mtshiza emphasised in her address to industry stakeholders. “Your achievements serve as a beacon for other agricultural sectors striving for meaningful economic inclusion.”
National Transformation Goals and Progress
The recognition comes as South Africa works toward achieving its Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP) target of increasing black agricultural production to 20% by 2030. The citrus industry’s current performance indicates it has already surpassed this national goal by more than five percentage points.
The Department’s Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) has invested R21 billion since 2004 in supporting emerging and black farmers through infrastructure development, training, mentorship, market access and production inputs. This investment has been particularly effective in the citrus sector, contributing to the impressive transformation statistics.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the successes, Mtshiza acknowledged several challenges facing the citrus industry, including:
- Land reform complexities and the need for secure tenure systems.
- Access to finance for emerging and smallholder farmers.
- Skills development gaps, particularly among youth in agriculture.
- Market access barriers for smaller producers.
- Climate-change vulnerabilities affecting production.
- Infrastructure constraints limiting growth potential.
However, the Chief Director also highlighted significant opportunities, including potential for export growth through market diversification, infrastructure development investments and innovative policy frameworks that support inclusive growth.
Also read: Live from the CGDC Grower Indaba
Call for Continued Collaboration
Mtshiza called on the citrus industry to build on its transformation successes through enhanced collaboration between growers, government, and other stakeholders.
She emphasised the need for:
- Clear consensus on what an inclusive and transformed citrus industry should look like.
- Stronger partnerships to address infrastructure and market access challenges.
- Continued focus on ensuring no farmer or farmworker is left behind.
- Strategic market diversification to reduce dependence on traditional export markets.
Looking Forward
The Department’s recognition of the citrus industry’s transformation achievements comes at a crucial time as South Africa seeks to build a more inclusive agricultural economy. With black citrus farmers contributing more than a quarter of total production, the industry demonstrates that meaningful economic transformation is achievable while maintaining competitiveness in global markets.
“The citrus industry has shown that transformation and productivity can go hand in hand,” Mtshiza concluded. “We encourage other agricultural sectors to learn from your example and work together to build an agricultural economy that truly benefits all South Africans.”
The CGDC Grower Indaba continues to serve as a platform for addressing industry challenges and opportunities while building on the sector’s remarkable transformation achievements.
