Due to the difficulties at the Cape Town port, farmers are delaying the planting of new orchards, which prevents the development of new jobs. Due to these difficulties, farmers are delaying the planting of new orchards, which prevents the development of new jobs.
Recent shortages of cooling space and power outlets at the port forced stone fruit storage facilities to suspend packaging. The trade group Hortgro claims it is still concentrating on ways to make the situation at the port of Cape Town better.
Stone fruit growers and exporters are still frustrated by issues at the Cape Town port, and some have even thought about closing down their businesses, according to trade group Hortgro.
They continue to experience delays as a result of shipment challenges, broken equipment, and logistical concerns. For instance, lately, packaging operations at stone fruit storage facilities had to cease owing to a lack of cooling space and electrical outlets at the port.
According to the most recent Hortgro newsletter, key players in the sector are advocating for the partial privatization of port operations to allow for a private loading area for fruit organizations. A request has also been made for professionals to be brought in to help with the port's operating issues.
A stone fruit grower from Stellenbosch named André le Grange claims that this kind of fruit is delicate and has a short shelf life. As a result, delays at the port of Cape Town directly affect the shelf life and the fruit's quality when it reaches Europe.
Due to these difficulties, farmers are delaying the planting of new orchards, which prevents the development of new jobs. In the worst scenarios, farmers are forced to sell their properties.
Le Grange, for instance, has stopped planting new plum trees in favor of concentrating on foods for the neighborhood market, such butternut and avocados. He even goes so far as to threaten to protest by throwing rotten fruit into the harbor in Cape Town.
Source: News24