Written by Corrie Bezuidenhout – South African Garlic Growers’ Association
South Africa’s garlic industry continues to expand, supported by growers across several provinces working to strengthen the local supply chain.
The South African Garlic Growers’ Association (SAGGA) was established to represent producers and address sector-wide issues.
According to SAGGA, the most persistent challenge for domestic growers is competition with imports. Of the 4,800 tons of garlic consumed annually in South Africa, about 67% is imported. Research carried out with larger buyers indicated that inconsistency in supply and limited local varieties were the primary reasons for reliance on imports. Some consumers prefer garlic types with larger cloves, which are not widely available in South Africa.
Photos above used courtesy of SAGGA
Due to climatic and geographic factors, producing certain preferred varieties locally has been difficult. Industry members have invested in trials of varieties from Israel, Spain, and Argentina, importing virus-free planting material for propagation at different sites in the country. Several of these have shown promise under local conditions, offering potential to reduce reliance on imports.
Garlic remains a side crop for many farmers, with access to supermarket supply chains often requiring certification that can be challenging to obtain. SAGGA provides support to growers working to meet these requirements.
Concerns about illegal imports
Another issue highlighted by SAGGA is the entry of illegal garlic imports through neighbouring countries. These so-called “grey channel” imports disrupt local markets, reduce tax revenues, and impact both domestic farmers and legitimate importers. Discussions with relevant authorities are ongoing, although effective monitoring and enforcement require time and resources.
Efforts to support growers
SAGGA reports it is engaging with government and trade stakeholders to address market challenges, including the illegal flow of garlic, while also supporting growers with technical knowledge and networks to improve yields and product quality.
The organisation has called on the broader value chain to consider the role of domestic production in contributing to rural economies and local food supply, while continuing to work on strengthening the competitiveness of South African garlic in the market.
For more information:
Corrie Bezuidenhout
South African Garlic Growers’ Association
Tel: +27 82 465 0514
Email: corbez16 [at] gmail.com
www.southafrica.co.za
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This article first appeared in Fresh Plaza, Read the original here.
Feature Photo by Matthew Pilachowski on Unsplash
