While the first table grape vineyards in the northern regions of South Africa are pushing out their new leaves, Western Cape vineyards are still in their winter dormancy. Table grape growers, like all Cape fruit growers, are uncertain of what the new season will hold, in light of irrigation restrictions and below average rainfall thus far this winter.
Young vines this week on a farm near Groblersdal (Photo: Gert Upton, Schoonbee Landgoed)
The first crop estimate of South African table grapes can be expected in November when the picture coming from the early production areas – the Bushveld in Limpopo/Mpumalanga followed by the Orange River region – is clearer. Even then, explains Willem Bestbier, CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), it is still too early for an accurate picture of Western Cape production which follows on the north. “Of course, the ongoing drought in the Western Cape heightens uncertainty in the industry.”
“As an industry we have come to terms with the reality that South Africa is a water-scarce country and that everyone who shares a responsibility in this regard, takes that responsibility seriously. As an example, one of our senior management and a researcher is currently engaged in a PhD at the University of Stellenbosch regarding the so-called "water footprint” of table grape cultivation, with the aim of optimizing water usage and thereby supporting the sustainability of our industry and the environment.”
Willem Bestbier continues: “In the short term, we’re planning to host a seminar in the affected areas to inform our producers of best practice in this regard. The Northern production region depends on summer rainfall, as does the Orange River region with regards to its water catchment areas. All other table grape production areas are winter rainfall areas and therefore our industry is very dependent on adequate water supplies for irrigation.”
A consultant to the industry told FreshPlaza: “Anything can still happen but I don’t believe that the harvest is in question. Without doubt we’re in a critical situation, but farmers are working more parsimoniously with their water and especially in the Hex River Valley, there are a lot of boreholes. Also, farmers are diverting water from their vegetable crops or their wine grapes to their table grapes, so it’s as yet very difficult to determine what the impact’s going to be.”
For more information:Willem Bestbier
South African Table Grape Industry
Tel: +27 21 863 0366
Email: [email protected]
