The Western Cape exported R78.68 billion worth of combined agricultural and agri-processing products in 2020, according to the latest report compiled by Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s agricultural economist, Tshepo Morokong.
“The 24% increase (2019: R63.23 billion vs 2020: R78.68 billion) confirms the critical role agriculture is playing in the economic recovery of the Western Cape,” said Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer.
According to Morokong, the export-oriented Western Cape agricultural sector contributes 44% to national agricultural exports.
“In 2020, the province’s primary agricultural exports accounted for 53% of national exports, beverages 70%, processed meat, fish and fruit products 44%, leather and related products 31%, and dairy 22%,” said Morokeng.
Meyer said primary agriculture accounted for 10% of the province’s employment and agri-processing 4%, which combined accounted for 14% of the employment in 2020. “Africa presents a significant market for Western Cape agricultural products. It is for this reason that we will explore more export opportunities on the African Continent as we could benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement,” he added.
