Initial assessments by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) indicate that recent severe weather will cause a decrease of at least 5% in expected export estimates from flood-damaged areas.
The areas affected are Patensie in the Eastern Cape and Citrusdal and the Boland in the Western Cape.
According to the CGA, it is difficult to establish more precise figures on the impact of the flooding at the moment, as a limited number of growers have not yet regained access to their orchards to assess the damage.
Dealing with the aftermath of storms
The CGA stated, “This means these preliminary damage estimates will likely rise over time. Also, damage in the form of fruit dropping from trees can have a delayed impact over time that cannot be immediately assessed.
“The mandarin crop has been impacted the most by the floods, as the country’s main mandarin production regions were affected, and harvesting activities were interrupted at a critical early stage of the mandarin season.”
The chief executive officer of CGA, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, said their thoughts remain with farming communities across these regions, many of whom have over the past weeks been dealing with both immediate losses and the longer-term implications of infrastructure damage.
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“The timing of the rain was particularly challenging, as the citrus season was just beginning to gain momentum. While it remains too early to exactly quantify the cost of the floods, it is clear that orchards, farm structures and road infrastructure have been affected, mostly around Patensie in the Eastern Cape.”
In terms of overall timing and progression, the season is not running later than last year and is generally speaking two to three weeks ahead.
Earlier this month, the CGA welcomed the immediate declaration of a national state of disaster. It also now supports the call of fellow agriculture associations, such as South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), for both provincial and national government authorities to provide increased disaster relief and recovery support to producers and rural communities.
Navigating global disruptions
The most severe impact from the floods was felt in the Kouga Municipality in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Gamtoos Valley around Patensie. Citrus orchards have been flooded, some to such an extent that topsoil has been washed away, trees uprooted, and roads destroyed.
In the Western Cape, areas including Citrusdal and the Boland also experienced intense rainfall. While water levels in Citrusdal were higher than during the two previous flood events in 2023 and 2024, the overall damage appears less severe, with key access routes remaining operational.
The extreme weather challenges come at an already difficult time for growers, who are navigating global disruptions due to the war in the Middle East. Rising input costs, especially diesel and fertiliser, as well as significantly higher shipping costs, are exerting pressure on the citrus industry.
“What had been shaping up as a strong season is now requiring a high degree of adaptability from producers and exporters alike,” Ntshabele said.
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