CGA chairperson Gerrit van der Merwe
Industry body the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has appointed Gerrit van der Merwe chairperson for the next two-year term.
Outgoing chairperson Hannes de Waal will now become one of two vice-chairpersons, as is normal in the board’s leadership rotational structure. De Waal’s fellow vice-chairperson will be Jan-Louis Pretorius.
Van der Merwe has been MD of ALG Estates, which comprises a number of citrus farms in the Citrusdal region, for the last six years.
Prior to his position at ALG, he worked in the citrus industry in the US.
He aims to make the citrus industry more community-centred and a more valuable contributor to the economy.
The CGA board currently comprises 23 directors, each representing different citrus grower regions, including regions with emerging farmers.
CGA CEO Justin Chadwick says Van der Merwe brings to the board enormous experience, particularly as the industry is seeing growth.
If all role-players work together, the citrus industry is poised to export an additional 100-million 15 kg cartons of citrus within the next eight years, which can create 100 000 new jobs and generate billions in foreign earnings.
Van der Merwe stands ready to address the two challenges that are most concerning to the industry – poor logistics and market access.
He is confident that the CGA, together with government, can address these challenges and ensure job and revenue growth in the industry.