Apple farmers in the Western Cape, specifically in the Ceres and Elgin, Grabouw, Vyeboom, Villiersdorp areas, are evaluating the aftermath of recent storm conditions characterized by gale-force winds and rainfall. Despite initial apprehensions regarding extensive damage, preliminary insights indicate that the apple crop has sustained limited losses.
Roelf Pienaar, managing director of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, noted the ongoing assessment efforts to quantify the storm's impact, stating, "We are currently doing a damage assessment, but it appears our production areas were not hit as hard as those closer to Stellenbosch. We will have a clearer picture in a few days, but things are looking positive."
Specific apple varieties, including Pink Lady, Rosy Glow, Granny Smith, and Sundowner, were affected by the storm, with varying degrees of fruit loss reported. Rossouw Cillié, owner of Laastedrift Agri, mentioned, "Luckily, around 80% of our crop is already harvested, and hopefully, the damage is not as bad as it seems." The subsequent cooler weather conditions are anticipated to benefit the remaining fruit development, particularly for the Pink Lady apples, as highlighted by Arno Reuvers.
The storm also introduced operational disruptions at the Port of Cape Town, with Chris Knoetze, managing director of Link Supply Chain Management, citing rain-induced delays exacerbated by strong winds. The apple industry in the Western Cape, however, remains optimistic as the initial damage assessment suggests minimal impact, allowing for continued progress into the peak harvest season.
Source: foodformzansi.co.za