South Africa’s citrus industry has suffered a major setback following severe flooding across parts of the Eastern and Western Cape, with growers warning of widespread crop losses, damaged orchards and disrupted export operations.
The heaviest impact has been reported in the Gamtoos Valley near Patensie, where floodwaters swept through citrus farms just as the soft citrus and mandarin harvest season was beginning. Early estimates suggest that between 10% and 12% of the local crop may have been affected, with some orchards completely submerged and trees uprooted.
Industry leaders say the disaster comes at a particularly difficult time for South African growers, who had entered the 2026 season on a high after the country overtook Spain as the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume in 2025.
According to the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA), the flooding has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems and packhouses. While some Western Cape regions such as Citrusdal and the Boland experienced less severe destruction, prolonged rainfall still delayed harvesting operations and transport logistics.
Farmers across the affected areas are now assessing the full extent of the losses. In some parts of the Gamtoos Valley, producers estimate millions of rand in damages after export fruit remained underwater for extended periods, making it unsuitable for international markets.
The floods have also intensified pressure on an industry already battling rising shipping costs, export uncertainty and international logistical disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Western Cape Premier Alan Winde have conducted aerial inspections over some of the hardest-hit farming regions as government and agricultural organisations continue to evaluate the economic fallout.
Despite the destruction, agricultural economists believe the broader citrus sector remains resilient, although recovery efforts in badly affected regions could take months.
This article was adapted from reporting originally published by Zanele Makola of Indaba News.
