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By Palesa Matlala
- Floods in the Gamtoos Valley hit citrus farms just as growers started harvesting mandarins and soft citrus for export markets.
- Strong winds and heavy rain damaged apple orchards, vineyards and roads, with some growers fearing they could lose half their late season crops.
Floods and strong winds in the Eastern and Western Cape have dealt a massive blow to South Africa’s fruit industry.
Farmers say the damage could take months to fully understand after orchards, roads and communities were left in ruins.
In the Eastern Cape’s Gamtoos Valley, flood water swept through citrus farms just as growers started packing their new crop.
Growers say orchards are under water and trees have been badly damaged. Early estimates suggest up to 12% of the local citrus crop could be lost.
The floods arrived as farmers were preparing for busy export shipments. South Africa recently became the world’s biggest citrus exporter after overtaking Spain.
In the Western Cape, the Langkloof has been cut off after important roads to ports were washed away. Communities are stranded and many areas are still without electricity.
The Breede Valley, including Worcester and Robertson, was also badly hit. Holiday homes along the Breede River were destroyed and wine farms suffered major losses.
Apple growers say late varieties like Cripps Pink and Rosy Glow were stripped from trees by strong winds. These apples are used for the Pink Lady brand.
Some growers fear they could lose up to 50% of their late season fruit.
Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen and Western Cape premier Alan Winde flew over affected areas on Sunday to inspect the damage.
Industry groups Hortgro and the Citrus Growers’ Association are now surveying farms to calculate the full losses.
The disaster comes as conflict in the Middle East pushes up shipping costs and disrupts exports to key overseas markets.
Despite the damage, citrus growers say they still hope to meet export targets to the United States.
Pictured above: Flooded farms in Gamtoos Valley in the Eastern Cape.
Image source: Kouga Municipality
