DEPT HOLDS MARKETING DAY FOR EMERGENT FRESH PRODUCERS

The Northern Cape’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Environment and Conservation will be hosting a marketing day for small-scale farmers at Kimberley’s Fresh Produce Market at 11h00 today. The exercise is undertaken in an effort to unlock the economic potential of South Africa’s new generation of farmers by introducing them to the formal markets in line with the principles of the Agricultural Products Act of 1996.

The Department’s visionary approach would bear dividends in stimulating entrepreneurship, increasing Market access for all market participants, promoting the efficient marketing of agricultural products, optimizing the export earnings from agricultural products and increasing the sector’s viability. This will further boost the Department’s mission of revolutionizing the agricultural sector through the broadening of market access for emerging farmers. The National Fresh Produce Markets and Local Informal Markets provide the best opportunities for emerging producers.

The Department’s economic unit has identified a range of local institutions to be targeted for the supply of the fresh produce of small-scale farmers. In sustaining the initiative, the unit has also established mechanisms for partnerships with prospective funders, agricultural co-ops and the relevant government departments. The partnerships will assist in encouraging small-scale farmers in producing a consistent good quality and high volume of crops. The Northern Cape’s giant Agri-business, GWK, Land Bank and other major institutions will participate in the proceedings.

Enquiries: Thabo Mothibi @ 083 255 8840 / tmothibi@grand.ncape.gov.za