The agricultural sector has reached a major milestone with the first export of its plums to China
JOHANNESBURG – There is breakthrough in the landmark stone fruit protocol South Africa and China signed in October.
This week, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen officially saw off the shipment of approximately 20-thousand cartons of premium plums.
The plum export deal is expected to pave the way for cherry and blueberry export protocols, which are set to be finalised soon.
It also marks a significant step in helping farmers diversify beyond traditional destinations, and tap into rising global demand.
China imports agricultural products worth about $200-billion each year.
South Africa currently captures only about 0.4% of that market.