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The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) has called on both provincial and national government authorities to urgently provide disaster relief and recovery support to table grape producers and rural communities affected by the recent severe storms, flooding, and strong winds across parts of the Western Cape.
Although the 2025/26 table grape harvest season has recently concluded, widespread damage to farming infrastructure has been reported across several production regions. The most severely affected areas were parts of the Berg River, Hex River, and Olifants River regions, where some farming operations have been partially or severely disrupted.
Access challenges and infrastructure damage
“A major concern at present is access,” said Mecia Petersen, chief executive officer of SATI. “In several areas, access roads have been damaged or washed away, leaving some farms inaccessible.”
According to survey feedback from SATI members in the affected regions, many farming operations remain severely disrupted due to extensive infrastructure damage.
Producers have reported widespread destruction to vineyards and agricultural infrastructure, including flooded vineyards, collapsed netting and poles, damaged trellising systems, and irrigation infrastructure. Some farms indicated that more than a third of their plantings had been affected.
The flooding has been particularly devastating for producers in the Hex River region, which has now experienced severe flooding for the third time in five years, resulting in repeated damage to vineyards and infrastructure.
Severe financial impact on producers
“In some cases, vines that were replanted in August 2025 to replace vineyards damaged during the 2024 floods have now been washed away again,” Petersen said. “The average cost of establishing one hectare of table grapes can be up to R1,2 million, making the financial impact on affected producers extremely severe. Government disaster relief processes must be accelerated to address these extenuating circumstances.”
Producers urgently need disaster relief funding to repair damaged or lost roads, bridges, and water infrastructure so operations can resume as quickly as possible.
Critical timing for vineyard recovery
SATI emphasised that the timing of the disaster is particularly concerning, as producers are now entering a critical post-harvest period during which essential vineyard management practices must be carried out.
“These post-harvest activities are crucial in determining the size, quality, and productivity of next season’s table grape crop,” Petersen added. “It is therefore essential that affected producers can restore operations as quickly as possible to limit longer-term impacts on productivity, sustainability, and employment in the industry.”
Appeal for support and next steps
SATI has appealed to both provincial and national authorities to urgently provide the necessary disaster relief and recovery support to assist producers and rural communities to rebuild damaged infrastructure and restore farming operations.
“Without urgent intervention, the impact of these storms could extend far beyond the immediate damage already suffered by producers and rural communities,” Petersen said.
Affected producers are strongly encouraged to complete the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s damage assessment survey as soon as possible. Accurate information is essential to help quantify the impact and motivate for the necessary support measures.
The survey can be accessed here.
For more information, contact Denene Erasmus, market development and communications manager at +2721 863 0366 or send an email to denene@satgi.co.za – Media release
