Cherry farming is profitable in South Africa. In addition to being one of the world’s leading producers of sweet cherries, our climate conditions are ideal for their development.
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we discuss the fundamentals of starting a cherry farm in Mzansi. This episode features Fanie Grobbelaar from the Welgelegen Cherry Estate in the Eastern Free State.
Grobbelaar says cherries thrive primarily in the Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and eastern Free State regions.
He adds that growing cherries has its obstacles, such as pests, but it’s not a big concern if you know the proper spraying techniques.
“South Africa is currently ranking 59th in the world, measuring production metric tons. Turkey is first, with 30% of the market chain globally and South Africa 59th with a market share of 0. 01 % of the double production of cherries.”
Pests and diseases
Some pests develop during the pruning process, while others occur when you do not pay enough attention to your product. However, if you have taken the necessary preventative measures, you can reduce the damage by using cherry-appropriate spraying techniques, explains Grobbelaar.
“Harvesting is labour-intensive. Cherries are picked individually by hand by labourers.”
Grobbelaar believes that picking cherries by hand impacts their quality. He adds that there may be other technologically advanced ways to operate more efficiently, but this has been the most effective form of harvesting in Mzansi.
Grobbelaar also tackles the following topics in the podcast:
- Planting and market research prior to starting production.
- Always having a strategy and a Plan B in terms of market and agro-processing
- He also mentions the desire for a solid local market.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
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Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
ALSO READ: How to put the cherry on top of your production
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