South African Citrus Production Rises 5%

PRETORIA - May 29/02 - SNS -- Total citrus production for South Africa in 2002 was 1.6 million metric tons (MT), 5% higher than last year.

The main citrus crop in South Africa is fresh oranges, followed by processed oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. Orange production increased 6%, lemons increased 11%, and grapefruit production fell 2.5%. The USDA expects export figures to remain constant.

The increase in production is attributed to the positive effects of enough soil moisture content following favorable weather, sunlight, increased area and improved cultivars in the citrus growing areas.

South Africa's citrus industry is lobbying the government to establish domestic support schemes, as well as export enhancement programs to enable them meet the increasing strict phytosanitary requirements of importers and compete on a more level playing field with other suppliers.

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