The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has congratulated the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) on the milestone achievement of South Africa overtaking Spain to become the world’s largest exporter of citrus by volume.
“This is a proud and historic moment for South Africa and particularly for the Western Cape, which plays a pivotal role in our country’s agricultural success story,” said Minister Meyer.
Reiterating the Western Cape Government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, Minister Meyer said, “Through our Growth for Jobs Strategy, we are focused on enabling sectors like agriculture to scale, create jobs, and drive economic growth.”
Dr Meyer commended the Citrus Growers Association, producers, farm workers, exporters, and all stakeholders across the value chain for their resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. “This achievement reflects years of sustained investment, world-class farming practices, and a relentless focus on quality and market access,” he added.
South Africa’s citrus industry has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by expanding global demand, improved logistics, and strong public-private sector collaboration. The sector is one of the country’s largest agricultural exporters and a major contributor to job creation, especially in rural areas.
“The Western Cape remains a key contributor to this success, with our citrus producers consistently meeting international standards and helping to drive export growth. The sector supports thousands of jobs and sustains livelihoods in many of our rural communities,” said Meyer.
Minister Meyer further highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to sustain and expand this growth. “We must continue to invest in infrastructure, strengthen biosecurity measures, and diversify export markets to protect and grow our global competitiveness.”
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong trade relationships. “Access to international markets is critical. We will continue to support efforts to resolve trade barriers and ensure that South African citrus remains a preferred choice globally.”
“In congratulating the Citrus Growers Association, we celebrate not only a remarkable achievement but also the promise of continued prosperity for our agricultural sector and our province,” Meyer concluded.
Media inquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Media Liaison Officer to Provincial Minister, Dr Ivan Meyer
Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za
079 990 4231
