Problems facing the Cape Town port continue to hinder the certification of fruit exporters

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Because of the challenges facing The Cape Town port, farmers delay planting new orchards. This hinders creation of jobs. Because of these issues farmers are putting off establishment of new orchards hindering the creation of jobs.

The recent shortage of cooling spaces as well as power outlets in the port caused the stone-fruit storage facility to cease the production of packaging. A trade group Hortgro states that they are still working on methods to improve the environment in the Port of Cape Town better.

Exporters and producers of stone fruits remain frustrated with the problems in ports like the Cape Town port, and many have considered the closure of their operations in accordance with the trade group Hortgro.

There are still delays because of shipping difficulties, damaged equipment and logistical issues. Recently, for instance packing operations in Stone fruit warehouses were forced be stopped due to a shortage of space for cooling and electricity outlets in the port.

According to the most current Hortgro newsletter, the most prominent actors in the industry have been urging the complete privatization of port operations in order to make room an exclusive loading area for organizations that deal in fruit. It has also been requested for professional help being brought into operations at the port.

An artisan who grows stone fruits from Stellenbosch called Andre le Grange claims that this type of fruit is fragile and has a very short shelf-life. This means that delays in the port of Cape Town directly affect the duration of shelf life as well as the quality once it is delivered to Europe.

In the wake of these challenges Farmers are putting off the plantation of new orchards this hinders the growth of jobs. If the situation gets worse, farmers have to dispose of their property.

Le Grange, for instance is a case in point. Le Grange has stopped planting new plum trees and instead is making a focus on the foods that will be sold at the local market such as avocados and butternut. Le Grange even goes as that he threatens to protest by throwing dead fruits into the harbour in Cape Town.

Source: News24

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies