There’s been an improvement in the volumes and value of stone fruit, despite the country’s drought, says industry body Hortgro. They confirmed that growers received regular notes and technical updates from Hortgro Science, highlighting the primary fruit quality aspects to be adhered to during heat waves.
Hortgro, together with the Canning Fruit Producers’ Association, Agri Western Cape, Agri SA and Wine TU have pooled resources to provide financial help to producers.
“With the drought broken in areas such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, we are optimistic that volumes will continue to increase throughout the season,” Hortgro said
The organisation projects an increase of 21% for nectarines, 14% for peaches and 10% for plums.
“Continued drought in some areas has, of course, impacted on the 2019/20 season’s full potential, but volumes and quality have certainly improved compared to last year,” Hortgro said. – Zoë van Rooyen