The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana will this morning, 24 February 2017, sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the Entry and Exit Animal Inspection and Quarantine with Chinese Vice Minister of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, Mr LI Yuaping during the Launch of the Operation Phakisa on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development by President Jacob Zuma in Roodeplaat, Pretoria.
The Protocol on the Export South Africa Beef to China and a Memorandum of Understanding on the entry and exit animal and inspection quarantine will be signed which will give effect to the exports of South African beef to China and present an opportunity to our smallholder farmers to access the Chinese market. President Zuma announced during the State of the Nation Address on 9 February that South Africa would begin exporting beef to China this year.
The agreement will further enhance and take forward the strong relations and strategic partnership between South Africa and China.
The signing will take place during the important launch of Operation Phakisa in Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development under the theme “Transforming the Agricultural Sector towards an Inclusive Rural Economy”. The programme aims to enhance and transform the agricultural sector as well as accelerate land reform to ensure an inclusive rural economy.
Among other interventions, the programme reviews existing producer support models as well as development finance models aimed at fast tracking Land Reform to find workable solutions given the urgent need for government to make progress in land reform and food security.
The Operation Phakisa on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development also seeks to address constraints in ensuring the equitable access to land, both towards economic development and agrarian transformation.
Enquiries:
Dr Bongani Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
E-mail: bongani@presidency.gov.za
Ms Bomikazi Molapo
Cell: 078 801 3711
E-mail: BomikaziM@daff.gov.za
