Wageningen, The Netherlands
July 31, 2012

Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture describes the current status of the horticultural sector in South-Africa and its options for further development and expansion. The study specially focuses on the possibilities of the Dutch supplier industry to facilitate these horticultural developments. The research was funded by the Product Board of Horticulture and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.

The horticultural sector of South-Africa is small, and is mainly located in the regions around Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Although radiation levels are more than sufficient for crop growth, the recorded productivity levels are low as a result of a range of unfavourable conditions that may be avoided if managed well. Moreover, the vegetable production is largely outdoors.

The protected cultivation is often done in plastic tunnels using a medium level of technology. With new technologies adapted to the local conditions a vast increase in productivity and sustainability can be expected. A number of transition pathways and associated requirements are suggested for the different grower types.

The vegetable sector has large growth potential given the economic growth in South-Africa and the increase in purchase power of the black middle class. Also the economic developments in neighbouring countries provide good opportunities. Cooperation in the sector will be increasingly important in the future to become more competitive. The growers of ornamentals in general have a medium to high technology level, yet face the challenge to compete internationally. These growers need improved hardware, knowledge, infrastructure, and a better cooperation within the sector. The horticultural experts from industry and knowledge organizations in The Netherlands can assist in many of these issues and may help in creating tailor-made innovations that increase profit and sustainability.

Download report: Business opportunities for protected horticulture in South-Africa

Website: http://www.wur.nl

Published: August 6, 2012