/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza, of the agreement she signed with the 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.
 
Nkosi Mandela said this is an important step towards the achievement of the goals outlined in the National Development Plan and a number of Master Plans in the Agriculture and Agri industries sector. It is concrete evidence of the immense benefits that BRICS holds for us and all our partners, he said.
 
According to the South African Avocado Growers' Association (SAAG), the estimated 3-year average annual avocado production in South Africa is 139 400 tons and 45 percent of which is exported fresh to Europe and the United Kingdom. The 2023 avocado tree census by SAAG estimates the area under commercial production at 19 500 hectares, expanding at a rate of approximately 800 hectares per annum. 
 
With the opening of the Chinese market, South Africa has an opportunity to further expand its avocado plantings, which will greatly contribute to employment through direct jobs on farms and indirectly through downstream opportunities.
 
Nkosi Mandela said: “We must rise to the occupation and seize the opportunity. We have to ensure that the industry receives the necessary support to meet the growing local and international demand. The industry has been expanding at a rate of 800 hectares per annum and is currently at around 18 000 hectares under cultivation.”
 
Nkosi Mandela added: “We must significantly increase our production capacity in order to meet the demand, especially now that the market in China has opened up for us. This will have significant impact on the growth of the agriculture sector, creating more jobs and creating more downstream opportunities.”

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela