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NAMIBIAN GRAPE FARMERS WITHIN THE SOUTH, EXPECTED TO ROPE IN BIG RETURNS THIS YEAR.
The Namibian`s grape industry employs about 12 000 people and its grapes are designated to markets such as the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America. The local market is relatively small and 1% of table grapes are consumed in Namibia. Kobus Bothma, vice chairman of the Namibian Grape Growers Association said that the industry`s greatest challenge currently is market access. Bothma believes that if they would get more market where they can sell the grapes, this will ensure sustainability. Namibia`s season estimates was expected to be 7.6 million × 4.5 Kg boxes (34 200 tonnes), but instead it delivered 8.6 million × 4.5 Kg boxes (38 700 tonnes). This has resulted in Namibia shipping out 33 000 tonnes of table grapes, earning N$ 840 million for the 2019/20 season.
The variety of grapes that are grown in Namibia, are namely white, red and black. The black are mainly seedless for table grape production and exports. Once processed, the grapes can produce good white and red wines. Brandy can also be produced as a secondary product from the waste berries.
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Namibia`s grape season normally range from November to January but cooler conditions in August and September delayed the season. According to Bothma, this was a blessing in disguise. The delay in starting, coupled with ideal weather conditions during the packing period, have in fact produced for of excellent quality, as noted by Bothma.
The cool, not too cold conditions in spring and temperatures in the mid – 30`s for November and December with no rain in the harvesting period are ideal conditions for the grape industry. The Namibia Grape Growers Association, is optimistic and hopes to grow through the development of new markets and varieties. This will in-turn have a good ripple effect on the economy, as it will translate into more jobs for Namibian
