Despite good rains, fruit farmers in the Western Cape remain under pressure. The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has predicted that South Africa’s agricultural economy will contract in 2019, mainly as a result of the poor summer harvest that followed the drought. The Western Cape, which typically provides a cushion when there is a drought in summer rainfall areas, was not in good shape in the 2018/2019 season, particularly in the horticulture sector, according to Agbiz economist Wandile Sihlobo. The wine-grape harvest is a case in point, with volumes down 2% from 2018, 14% lower than the long-term average. He said in the Western Cape more rain was needed to ensure winter crops remained moist – at least until the end of September. The lack of water is also raising concern in other areas. Citrus growers in Letsitele are facing the same challenge as the Western Cape faced, with day zero forecast for October this year. According to Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association, the Tzaneen dam level is currently around 12% full compared to 36% this time last year.
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SA’s agricultural economy will contract in 2019, mainly as a result of the poor summer harvest that followed the drought. – Wandile Sihlobo
