South African grape growers have formed a new group to defend their interests.
The Concerned Grower Group (CCG) claims support from 70 per cent of the country's grape growers and was established when South African Table Grapes (SATG) and the Deciduous Fruit Producers Trust (DFPT) applied to hike up a statutory levy raised on grapes packed for export by 50 per cent.
The group has achieved an early victory as SATG has retracted its application for the levy increase and existing fee structures will remain in place for a further 11 months.
The CCG will now work with SATG and DFPT to make proposals on different structures within the South African industry and how they should work. Findings are expected to be presented to growers in November.
