The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and various agricultural commodity organisations have renewed their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for another five years.
According to the provincial government, this new agreement establishes a foundation for these organisations to continue supporting new farmers through advice, mentorship, training, access to inputs, market opportunities, and mutual in-kind contributions.
These commodity organisations represent a wide range of interest groups associated with the agricultural sector.
Agreements have been signed with the various organisations including the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA), the Deciduous Fruit Producers Trust (DFPT), SA Wines, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), Potatoes SA, Raisins SA, Grain South Africa, Berries SA, the Citrus Growers Association, the South African Pork Producers Association, the Red Meat Producers Association, and the Rooibos Producers Association.
The Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, emphasised the vital importance of these agreements.
He stated that the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) recognises strategic partnerships as essential for tackling the complex challenges faced by the agricultural sector, and these MoUs are a clear indication of that commitment.
“The department has developed and nurtured strategic partnerships over several years. These partnerships complement our work and enhance the impact of our service delivery initiatives. One such initiative is the commodity approach, which has been an enormous success for over a decade,” Meyer said.
The Head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, stated that the partnership with commodity organisations aims to enhance capacity building, mentorship, market access, and resource mobilisation to support the commercialisation of new farmers in the Western Cape.
Sebopetsa also mentioned that these commodity associations are allowed to participate in the Commodity Project Allocation Committees (CPACs).
The committees will play a vital role in reviewing and overseeing the farmer applications that are processed.
“With the commodity approach, the department can augment its resources by leveraging the industry’s expertise, financial resources, and other assets, thus improving our service delivery to farmers,” Sebopetsa said.
Partners recognised the importance of the commodity approach in furthering the transformation agenda and assisting producers in their journey toward commercialisation.
One notable partner, Mariette Kotzé, the Group Operations Manager at Hortgro, mentioned that this partnership has been in place since 2009, and its impact has been significant and immeasurable.
“It is about making a difference. But it is also about creating an enabling environment for our growers.”
Mecia Petersen, CEO of the South African Table Grapes Industry, which provides almost 100 000 employment positions worth R3.78 billion per annum, stressed the role of collaboration in unlocking value for the sector.
“Our sector has enormous potential to create many more jobs. Our ability to do so becomes easier with a reliable partner such as the Western Cape Government. This is aptly demonstrated through the Western Cape Government’s role in improving operations at the Port of Cape Town and today’s formal commitment to support the agriculture sector, which the government takes very seriously,” she added.
In addition, the MEC stated that the MoUs reinforce the province’s shared commitment to transforming the agricultural sector, boosting the economy, and creating jobs. – SAnews.gov.za