DARDLEA Hosts Citrus Information Day in Collaboration with Industry Partners

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) collaborated with the Citrus Grower Association (CGA), Grower Development Company, and Citrus Research International (CRI) to host a highly informative Citrus Information Day at the Barberton Environmental Centre. The event attracted farmers, industry stakeholders, and individuals interested in citrus production, providing a platform to share knowledge and strengthen industry practices.

The Citrus Grower Association holds study group sessions quarterly, with one annual information day dedicated to engaging growers on the latest developments and innovations in citrus farming. This year’s event featured presentations from leading experts covering critical topics in citrus production, disease management, finance, and compliance.

Professor Paul Fourie from Citrus Research International addressed Citrus Black Spot and biosecurity measures, emphasizing the importance of disease prevention and monitoring to safeguard crop health and market access.

Irrigation scheduling techniques, including drip and micro-irrigation, were presented by Mr. Martin Bahnemann from Netafirm. He outlined strategies to improve water efficiency, optimize nutrient delivery, and enhance overall orchard productivity.

Financial opportunities for growers were covered by Ms. Aphiwe Kaula from Standard Bank, highlighting funding options tailored to citrus production. Mr. Hebert Mokoena discussed the Landbank Blended Finance model for the citrus industry, detailing how growers can access blended financing to support operational expansion and infrastructure development.

Mr. Sam Low presented the Citrus Academy training programmes, focusing on skills development and capacity building for growers at various levels. Compliance and quality assurance were addressed by the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), with detailed guidance on SAGAP and GlobalGAP certification requirements.

The Citrus Information Day provided a comprehensive overview of the industry, offering practical advice, financial guidance, and technical knowledge to support sustainable and profitable citrus farming. By fostering collaboration between government, research institutions, and industry partners, DARDLEA and its partners continue to strengthen the citrus sector and ensure long-term growth and competitiveness.