The Western Cape Agriculture Department says the apple and pear export sector may be recovering from the impact of an ongoing drought.
Senior Agricultural Economist, Tshepo Morokong, says the Western Cape contributes significantly to South Africa’s apple and pear exports.
He says the province contributes over 85 % to the country’s apple exports while pears are at 88%.
South Africa’s apple exports stood at R6.6-billion last year and pear exports at R3.1-billion.
Provincial Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer has however raised concerns about some inefficiencies the Cape Town Port which could exacerbate challenges experienced by the sector reports www.sabcnews.com
He says challenges include trade facilitation and the impact of COVID-19 on global shipping operations.
The Western Cape Cabinet has approved the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the province and the United States (US) State of California for the agriculture sector.
The agreement will see the province collaborate with California on key projects in the sector.
Premier Alan Winde says there will be numerous trade and investment opportunities including technology, the green economy and tourism.
