Evaluators:
Johan Joubert (CRI), Richard Fenwick (CRI) and Zongezile Zondi (private)

Effective sourcing and commercialisation of citrus cultivars in Southern Africa

Andrew Lee, Manager of Cultivar Development, CRI
Port Elizabeth.

CRI's mission is to maximize the long-term global competitiveness of the Southern African citrus producer. Cultivar Development has therefore been established as one of the strategic objectives of the Citrus Industry to meet the dynamic cultivar requirements of the industry. These include making available to grower's appropriate and objective recommendations of existing and new cultivars. Selection of these cultivars has been aimed at creating a range of cultivars that mature at different stages during the season and are harvested as close to peak maturity as possible to avoid the problems associated with under and over mature fruit. Other objectives that involve Cultivar Development are a close association with the Citrus Improvement Scheme to assist the phytosanitary protection of Southern Africa against the introduction of exotic pests and diseases. The maintenance and development of local genetic resources that contribute to the Industry's core objective of gaining and maintaining market access are of paramount importance. In addition, keeping a close association with the Private Cultivar Companies in South Africa as well as with the international cultivar breeding world to remain up to date on new developments throughout the citrus world, are further important functions of Cultivar Development. Furthermore Cultivar Development has launched a mutation selection and breeding programme aimed specifically at the requirements of our markets.

Cultivar Development is driven by the cultivar requirements which are prioritized to enhance long-term sustainability in a constantly changing world. This overview aims to detail how Cultivar Development will lead the introduction and commercialisation of new citrus cultivars to meet the changing requirements of the markets, and optimize accessibility of cultivars to Southern African citrus producers.

Vision
Southern African citrus producers will have timely access to (i) new citrus cultivars at favourable terms and conditions, (ii) impartial and appropriate cultivar related information to enhance decision-making, and (iii) new cultivars that give a full seasonal spread to achieve a continuous flow of superior quality fruit.

Mission
To provide Southern African citrus producers with rapid access to new citrus cultivars and associated information to enhance global competitiveness.

Strategically Cultivar Development needs to focus on the following points to achieve its objectives:

1. Analysis of consumer needs.
2. Status of cultivars available and what is required.
3. Timely sourcing of new cultivars with favourable terms and conditions.
4. Communicate with the Private Cultivar Companies on the status of their cultivars.
5. Provide independent and objective information on all citrus cultivars.
6. Optimise stakeholder returns through cultivar-specific commercialization.
7. Advance South Africa as the leader in cultivar innovation.
8. Analysis of competitor production statistics and policies.