Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy in the Western Cape despite the drought that has a devastating effect on the sector. Farmers are looking at research to enable them to make informed decisions about future planning and sustainability.
The production and export of cherries have grown exponentially and is showing potential as an alternate crop.
Arno Marais has been growing cherries for over 20 years, but it is a difficult crop to grow. It is highly labour intensive and very expensive to get off the ground.
It does, however, use up to 40% less water than apple production.
The exotic fruit was planted as a means to diversify the apple and pear farm’s crop.
“If you look at climate change over time then you realise that certain produce is not wanted at certain periods of the year that the climate has shifted and then you need a different source to use around the climate you do have. Cherries want a cold winter, which we have here, and it also wants a dry summer otherwise the fruit goes off. So, this is a good area for production,”said Marais.
Diversifying is important as the climate continues to shift and proper research to plan for the future is vital. However, the likelihood of producers uprooting existing crops such as apples and pears in favour of cherries are slim.
“What they will be doing is they will look at the old orchards and they will most probably start revitalising new ones much quicker than what they might have planned, because you’ve normally got a 5% per annum that you’ve got to take out and put new orchards in to stay in pace with the developments that’s taking place. But there’s also gonna be little niche markets coming up with a smaller percentage they’ll put in there and use it,” he said.
The Western Cape is the leading producer of cherries and Marais says this niche market is expected to grow further in the next five years.
The provincial government has to date invested nearly R7 million in research and the development of alternative crops.
