The Democratic Alliance has welcomed what it describes as a milestone for the agricultural sector following the first export of South African plums to China under a new trade agreement.
Minister of Agriculture and DA leader John Steenhuisen this week saw off the first shipment of African Delight and Ruby Star plums destined for China. The consignment follows the signing of a stone fruit protocol between South Africa and China in October last year.
The agreement opens the Chinese market to a range of South African stone fruit, including plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots and prunes. According to the DA, the initial shipment demonstrates that the protocol is already yielding results for farmers, exporters and agricultural workers.
The party said additional export protocols for cherries and blueberries to China are expected to be finalised soon.
It also commended what it described as the swift processing and preparation of the first consignment, noting that rapid implementation of new trade agreements is critical in the agricultural sector, where timing and logistics directly affect farm income and competitiveness.
The DA said expanding into new markets such as China will help diversify South Africa’s export base, reduce reliance on traditional buyers and strengthen the sector’s resilience amid shifting global trade conditions.
The party added that the agreement has the potential to generate significant export revenue in the coming years, support job creation on farms and stimulate growth across the agricultural value chain, including transport, packaging and logistics.
The DA said it would continue to support measures aimed at opening new markets, reducing red tape and promoting growth in the agricultural economy.
Minister of Agriculture and DA leader John Steenhuisen this week saw off the first shipment of African Delight and Ruby Star plums destined for China. The consignment follows the signing of a stone fruit protocol between South Africa and China in October last year.
The agreement opens the Chinese market to a range of South African stone fruit, including plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots and prunes. According to the DA, the initial shipment demonstrates that the protocol is already yielding results for farmers, exporters and agricultural workers.
The party said additional export protocols for cherries and blueberries to China are expected to be finalised soon.
It also commended what it described as the swift processing and preparation of the first consignment, noting that rapid implementation of new trade agreements is critical in the agricultural sector, where timing and logistics directly affect farm income and competitiveness.
The DA said expanding into new markets such as China will help diversify South Africa’s export base, reduce reliance on traditional buyers and strengthen the sector’s resilience amid shifting global trade conditions.
The party added that the agreement has the potential to generate significant export revenue in the coming years, support job creation on farms and stimulate growth across the agricultural value chain, including transport, packaging and logistics.
The DA said it would continue to support measures aimed at opening new markets, reducing red tape and promoting growth in the agricultural economy.