Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) have raised alarm bells after reporting on Thursday that recent severe weather initial assessments indicate a decrease of at least 5% in expected export estimates from flood-damaged areas in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
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.
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.
