Growers of the world's only commercially cultivated rooibos crop gathered at Rondeberg Resort near Clanwilliam, more than 250 km from Cape Town, for the annual general meeting of the Rooibos Tea Producers Association (RTPA) on 17 September. Recent rain had brought relief after a delayed planting season, but discussion turned largely to grower profitability, market conditions, industry information and the sector's long-term sustainability.

'Normally our planting season is during June, July and August, but unfortunately rainfall stopped around the middle of June and we haven't had a proper planting season,' RTPA chairperson Werner Nieuwoudt told Farmer's Weekly; many seedlings stayed in nurseries while growers waited for soil moisture. September rain has allowed planting to resume and could also help established fields ahead of the next harvest: 'When we get rain between September and November it can increase production in older tea plants by 20% to 30%.'

Demand remains the industry's strongest positive, with exports growing and Japan 'a very exciting market for us'. But Nieuwoudt cautioned that balance matters: 'The markets are growing, but if the product isn't available, prices rise and that creates problems for customers. On the other hand, surplus stocks place pressure on producers.'

Members stressed reliable information on production volumes, stock levels and demand so that producers, processors and marketers can plan and avoid needless volatility. Producer Bernard Liebenberg said many farmers face considerable financial pressure and that the industry must work together on solutions; Nieuwoudt agreed that 'we all need each other' across the value chain.

'If producers are not sustainable, the industry is not sustainable,' Nieuwoudt said, adding that the association's role is to ensure producers have a voice and that rooibos remains a sustainable industry for future generations.

Source: Farmers Weekly South Africa