Business Report writes that the effect of the drought in the Western Cape could have a major impact on employment in the province’s fruit producing regions if conditions do not improve soon.  

This is according to Terry Gale, the chairperson of Exporters Club Western Cape.  He stated:  “The Western Cape is sitting on a precipice in view of the prolonged drought, which is now affecting the pome fruit export, anticipated to be an average of 19% less for the apple and 10.5% less for the pear market than forecast.  This will have a major impact on employment in the fruit producing areas of Elgin/Grabouw and Ceres, where most of the fruit is grown and the farms provide employment for these communities.  The current forecast for the next seasons also appears to be a negative growth factor, unless the drought is broken and the farms become sustainable again.”

• Read this report by Joseph Booysen in full at Business Report

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