The South African citrus season is facing a number of headwinds that could affect export volumes.Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA), told FTW that while it was still early days, there were some challenges expected in the coming months. “For the South African citrus season it is a mixed bag,” he said, indicating that lower volumes were expected due to the ongoing dry conditions in the country. Oranges and grapefruit in particular would be affected, but hopes were high that volumes from new orchards of lemons and soft citrus coming into maturity would offset the reductions.”Another concern, said Chadwick, was that problems at the ports in the country had not abated, with several vessel delays reported at the Port of Durban during December last year.“There is concern regarding the ports’ ability to handle the crop efficiently and effectively,” he said. “Ongoing government policy uncertainty is also worrying and the ongoing exchange rate volatility does not bode well for exporters.”