The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Ms. Thoko Didiza has today signed an agreement with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Wang Yi(on behalf of Chinese Agriculture Minister Tang Ranijan) for the export of avocado to the People’s Republic of China.
The Minister has expresesed excitement on the signing of this agreement with China as government has been working very hard to unlock this export opportunity for our farmers.
“Gaining access to China is a vital step in driving an export led growth for the South African avocados, which is a commitment the government has made under the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan. In recent years, the avocado industry has expanded by 4 750 hectares increasing the total hectarage to over 18 000” said Minister Didiza.
China is likely to become one of the world’s major consumers of avocados and thus offers an immense opportunity to expand avocado production in South Africa.
The industry currently employs 15,000 people on farms and in packhouses. In addition, many others are employed in service industries and along the value chain. Growth in exports will inevitably lead to growth in production. “This will have a multiplication effect which will have growth in employment, skills and economic development in particular the rural areas of our country where the majority of avocados are produced” said Minister Didiza
Media enquiries:
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson: Mr Reggie Ngcobo
Cell: 066 298 0980
E-mai: MLO.Minister@dalrrd.gov.za
