New initiative to support black citrus growers

As part of its transformation strategy, the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) of South Africa has established a Grower Development Company which will provide sustainable support for developing black citrus growers.

“It is an unfortunate fact that many well-intended land redistribution and restitution initiatives have resulted in degenerating farms due to a lack of skills, inadequate funding and governance knowledge amongst beneficiaries,” the CGA points out in a post on its website.

“Also, emerging growers face untold difficulties in their efforts to successfully export citrus, for example. An absence of key financial and management skills among growers is also a hindrance to their ability to access credit, negotiate better business deals and remain competitive.”

The new development company will support the establishment and growth of sustainable and profitable black citrus growers with market linkages.

The not for profit company will initially receive grant funding from the CGA for four years commencing in 2015. The R6 million earmarked for 2015 will escalate at 5% per annum for the following three years.

The company will also focus on promoting the involvement of women, youth and disabled persons in citrus production.