First table grape crop estimate for 2021/2022 season
[{“type”:”text”,”content”:”Although new plantings of higher yielding cultivars are expected to continue coming into full production, the 2021 vine census, which forms the basis of the crop estimate, indicates a decrease of 536 hectares, from 21 100 to 20 564 hectares. When the latest census is compared with the 2019 census, there is a 1 234 hectares decrease in plantings, providing further evidence of consolidation in the South African table grape industry.nnSouth African producers will focus on u201cgoing back to basicsu201d notes Anton Viljoen, chairman of SATI. u201cProducers will focus on the aspects in their management from growing to preparing bunches, packing and meeting customersu2019 needs.u201dnnu201cWe must also keep in mind that we farm under the blue skies where everything is possible and nature can take its own course. We manage it as best we can to continue to provide our renowned quality and the worldu2019s best tasting table grapes,u201d commented Viljoen.nnEvidence of the SA growersu2019 ongoing commitment to delivering the best quality table grapes is the substantial investments made, not only in planting and growing the latest cultivars, but throughout the value chain. This includes investments in modern packhouses and related technology, cold rooms as well as equipment and capacity to meet the rigorous global ethical, environmental and social standards of markets.nnThe two early regions, namely the Northern Provinces and Orange River regions, are due to start packing from early November. The mid to later regions the Olifants River, Berg River and Hex River will start harvesting as usual about a month or more after the early regions. The first crop estimate, in the table below, was reached by considering the best available information, experience and observations, the latest industry vine census and historical data.”,”position”:0,”id”:”fnR1xO9ENvhZGajE”},{“type”:”image”,”content”:”https://agrisaonline.com/images/651″,”position”:1,”id”:”Htfr1Hvfs6ae0vbN”},{“type”:”text”,”content”:”*Table 1: First crop estimate for 2021/2022 season (million 4.5 kg equivalent cartons)*nn*Crop estimates are done in co-operation with growers and industry experts representing all production regions. This forum is used by SATI to be more responsive to in-season developments and deviations.*”,”position”:2,”id”:”IIQoXM8SpFtp8u6K”}]