Climate Change Response Strategy for the Deciduous Fruit Industry of South Africa

The South African deciduous fruit industry must ensure its sustainability and future profitability in view of the rapid climate changes already impacting the industry and projected to continue into the future. The main objective is to develop a climate change response strategy for the deciduous fruit industry (pome, stone).

Twelve participatory stakeholder workshops were conducted from September 2021 until April 2022. They included representatives from nine deciduous fruit production regions, Hortgro Workgroups (technical experts and researchers) and the fruit value chain. Results were analysed using multi-criteria analysis, to identify priority adaptation and mitigation responses. The Strategy was submitted, and edited following feedback from Hortgro.

The critical climate risks are reduced chilling and water, very high temperature, and changes in hail and wind speed. Adaptation priorities focus on water, protective technologies, genetics, planning and information. The top three mitigation priorities are increased resource efficiency and energy efficiency, and renewable energy. Value chain actors highlighted carbon intensity, product quality, logistical capacity, and supply reliability.

Seven broad recommendations are made to take forward the implementation of the Hortgro Climate Change Strategy. The Strategy responds to specific regional needs, the needs of stone and pome fruit growers, the needs of value chain actors, and adaptive and mitigative actions for both the near-term period (2030-2040) and mid-term period (2045-2065).

This Strategy provides an evidence-based and stakeholder-driven roadmap for an industry-wide response to the climate change crisis. It focuses on adaptation and building resilience, as well as mitigation (reduction in greenhouse gas emissions).