Zim horticulture sector eyes Chinese market
LETTICIA MAGOMBO
Players in the horticulture sector are targeting the Chinese market as part of plans to move away from over reliance on European markets.
It comes after the European Union recently put in place new rules which limit Zimbabwe’s access to the markets.”
Linda Nielsen, the CEO of Horticulture Development Council, told Business Times that several exporters have registered to export citrus to China under this protocol although she was not “liberty to divulge their information.”
“Some of whom have been selected for inspection by the Chinese Customs Authority as part of the process for gaining market access,” Nielsen said.
The export opportunity, she said, would not only expose Zimbabwe to a larger market but would also give it an alternative market from the European Union which had snubbed the nation.
“The benefit will be access to an incredibly large market in which Zimbabwe’s quality produce is in high demand. This provides access to another market besides the European Union which has recently placed new rules which limit Zimbabwe’s access to historical markets.”
Nielsen said the council had been making moves towards opening up these opportunities to small scale citrus farmers.
“Citrus is a long-term production cycle with a five -to-seven year return on investment.
“Therefore, long-term or ‘patient’ capital is required to develop this industry. The HDC is currently exploring financing options to develop the small-scale citrus industry through the hub and spoke (contract) model whereby the hub is capacitated to offer ancillary services to spoke (contract) farmers. The hub as an aggregator to smaller farmers to ensure consistent and quality supply to export markets,” she said.
“China is interested in all horticulture sectors and as an industry we will support the government with further protocols in for example blueberry and avocado.”
Grace Mazhandu, an administrator for HDC said: “Due to the disease pressures and cold supply chain requirements, coupled with the high inputs, a citrus tree needs the minimum viable hectares of 10Ha. On those hectares, you can use a tractor to spray and get uniform yields. Then volumes start to make sense.”
