Wednesday, 29 August 2018
Strong growth in global demand for fresh fruit presents opportunities to grow exports, increase participation of emerging black farmers and create employment. However, challenges of market access and readiness, particularly phytosanitary standards, limited technical skills and capabilities, including logistics bottlenecks, limit this potential. Addressing these challenges is important for shifting agricultural production towards high-value products, which is necessary for promoting re-industrialisation in agriculture and agro-processing value chains.
While South Africa has successfully tapped into the global demand for citrus, becoming the second largest exporter in the world in 2017, it has not fully taken advantage of the opportunities to increase exports of other fast growing and high value products such as berries and avocados. Realising the full potential of these industries not only creates employment but is also important for increased participation of black producers contributing to the transformation of the agriculture sector.
Join CCRED as we unpack these and other challenges faced by emerging, black fruit producers and debate practical solutions on how to grow the industry. Valuable insights from the citrus industry and case studies of international experiences where solutions have been implemented on the ground will be discussed and debated.
Panelists:
- Mr Lukhanyo Nkombisa (Citrus Growers Development Company, part of the Citrus Growers’ Association, http://www.cga-gdc.org.za/)
- Mr Jack Luft (Head of Corporate Partnerships, Inspirafarms, http://www.inspirafarms.com/)
- Ms Shingie Chisoro-Dube (Researcher, CCRED)
Chair: Ms Reena das Nair (CCRED)
Venue: CCRED Seminar Room, 1st Floor, 6 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg. Click here for map
Date: 29 August 2018
Time: 15:00-17:00
RSVP by email to infoccred@uj.ac.za