WCCPF represents 230 growers from the Western & Northern Cape regions of South Africa who meet the rigorous regulations necessary to export to the US. Along with Conradie, the delegation includes Stiaan Engelbrecht, Philipetri Fourie, Gerrit van der Merwe, Jr., and Boet Mouton.
The timing of United Fresh coincides with the arrival of the first conventional vessel during week 24 or June 15th; container vessels arrived in late May. Currently, exports are comprised of about 33 percent Easy Peelers, 66 percent Navel oranges, and the remainder Star Ruby Grapefruit. Two additional conventional vessels are expected by the first week of July.
In addition to exhibition space, WCCPF is a sponsor of the Super Session, Social Responsibility in a Global Produce Industry. With its Harvest of Hope program, growers of the WCCPF have established a model of land co-ownership and shareholding for citrus farm workers and those working in pack houses. Suhanra Conradie will introduce the Super Session panel discussion.
Harvest of Hope’s 10 projects support skills development, education and training, childcare, leisure activities, and healthcare with a focus on HIV AIDS education and prevention. The program has the attention of Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu who has said of it, “The dreams of the south African Rainbow Nation are alive and well in the citrus orchards of Citrusdal.”
South African Summer Citrus complements the domestic citrus industry from June through October when US grown citrus is less available. The WCCPF facilitates logistical, marketing and sales support coordination of products for its members. Its mission is to maintain and expand its role as the preferred and reliable supplier of fresh and safe summer citrus for the US.
