Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer has welcomed the inaugural Annual Citrus Day, held in Citrusdal on 11 August 2026, as a major milestone in celebrating the success and contribution of South Africa’s citrus industry.
Hosted by the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA), the event brought together citrus growers, industry leaders, exporters, researchers, farm workers and other stakeholders to recognise the sector’s contribution to South Africa’s economy and rural communities.
Addressing attendees, Meyer said the event fulfilled a vision he first proposed during his Budget Vote Speech earlier this year to establish a dedicated South African Citrus Day.
“This gathering is about much more than citrus. It is about celebrating the growers, farm workers, researchers, exporters, entrepreneurs and communities whose efforts have made South African citrus a global success story,” Meyer said.
Citrusdal was chosen as the venue for the inaugural celebration because of its importance as one of South Africa’s leading citrus-producing regions and its association with the resilience, innovation and excellence of the industry.
South Africa’s citrus industry reaches record exports
South Africa’s citrus sector remains a major contributor to economic growth, employment and agricultural exports.
According to Citrus Growers’ Association statistics highlighted by Meyer, the industry recorded a record export season in 2025, shipping 203.9 million 15-kilogram cartons, equivalent to approximately 3.06 million tonnes of citrus.
The citrus industry is South Africa’s largest agricultural export sector by value and supports an estimated 140,000 jobs at farm level.
“These figures represent more than commercial success. They reflect the dedication of thousands of people who invest through uncertainty, embrace innovation and continue creating opportunities in rural communities across our country,” Meyer said.
CGA CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele said the annual event provides an opportunity to highlight the broader contribution of the citrus industry.
“We are truly excited to celebrate the wider value of the industry. Minister Ivan Meyer has been a supporter and enabler of the citrus industry for a long time, and his efforts are deeply appreciated,” Ntshabele said.
He added that the event highlighted the industry’s role in rural economies, community development, research and technological innovation.
Protecting the future of South Africa’s citrus sector
Meyer said South Africa could draw inspiration from international initiatives such as California’s Sunkist Citrus Day while developing a uniquely South African tradition that celebrates citrus-producing communities across the country.
However, he warned that continued growth would depend on addressing challenges facing the industry, including rising input costs, water constraints, biosecurity threats, climate variability and increasing international competition.
Reliable logistics are also essential to maintaining South Africa’s position in global citrus markets, with efficient ports, rail infrastructure and freight systems remaining critical to the industry’s competitiveness.
“Our achievements are substantial: record exports, expanding global markets, growing production and a sector that continues to create jobs and generate export earnings,” Meyer said.
“Our responsibility is to build on that success by improving logistics, strengthening biosecurity, supporting innovation, expanding market access and ensuring that growth creates opportunities for more South Africans.”
Meyer reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between government, industry, researchers, exporters and workers to secure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of South Africa’s citrus sector.
“Let us continue building a sector that is globally competitive, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. If we continue working together, there is every reason to believe that the best years of South African citrus still lie ahead,” he concluded.
Hosted by the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA), the event brought together citrus growers, industry leaders, exporters, researchers, farm workers and other stakeholders to recognise the sector’s contribution to South Africa’s economy and rural communities.
Addressing attendees, Meyer said the event fulfilled a vision he first proposed during his Budget Vote Speech earlier this year to establish a dedicated South African Citrus Day.
“This gathering is about much more than citrus. It is about celebrating the growers, farm workers, researchers, exporters, entrepreneurs and communities whose efforts have made South African citrus a global success story,” Meyer said.
Citrusdal was chosen as the venue for the inaugural celebration because of its importance as one of South Africa’s leading citrus-producing regions and its association with the resilience, innovation and excellence of the industry.
South Africa’s citrus industry reaches record exports
South Africa’s citrus sector remains a major contributor to economic growth, employment and agricultural exports.
According to Citrus Growers’ Association statistics highlighted by Meyer, the industry recorded a record export season in 2025, shipping 203.9 million 15-kilogram cartons, equivalent to approximately 3.06 million tonnes of citrus.
The citrus industry is South Africa’s largest agricultural export sector by value and supports an estimated 140,000 jobs at farm level.
“These figures represent more than commercial success. They reflect the dedication of thousands of people who invest through uncertainty, embrace innovation and continue creating opportunities in rural communities across our country,” Meyer said.
CGA CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele said the annual event provides an opportunity to highlight the broader contribution of the citrus industry.
“We are truly excited to celebrate the wider value of the industry. Minister Ivan Meyer has been a supporter and enabler of the citrus industry for a long time, and his efforts are deeply appreciated,” Ntshabele said.
He added that the event highlighted the industry’s role in rural economies, community development, research and technological innovation.
Protecting the future of South Africa’s citrus sector
Meyer said South Africa could draw inspiration from international initiatives such as California’s Sunkist Citrus Day while developing a uniquely South African tradition that celebrates citrus-producing communities across the country.
However, he warned that continued growth would depend on addressing challenges facing the industry, including rising input costs, water constraints, biosecurity threats, climate variability and increasing international competition.
Reliable logistics are also essential to maintaining South Africa’s position in global citrus markets, with efficient ports, rail infrastructure and freight systems remaining critical to the industry’s competitiveness.
“Our achievements are substantial: record exports, expanding global markets, growing production and a sector that continues to create jobs and generate export earnings,” Meyer said.
“Our responsibility is to build on that success by improving logistics, strengthening biosecurity, supporting innovation, expanding market access and ensuring that growth creates opportunities for more South Africans.”
Meyer reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between government, industry, researchers, exporters and workers to secure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of South Africa’s citrus sector.
“Let us continue building a sector that is globally competitive, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. If we continue working together, there is every reason to believe that the best years of South African citrus still lie ahead,” he concluded.