Netherlands Company
12 September 2006
Two farming groups Misgund Oos Boere Trust, comprising of 134 beneficiaries,
and South Cape (Dutoit group from Ceres) are in partnership with Hage
International (company exporting fruit) from Netherlands for the erection of
Fruit Packing Storage. About 20 other emerging farming groups will be given an
opportunity to pack their produce at a lower cost through this facility in the
Kougamma area in Joubertina. The structure is a dual purpose infrastructure to
sort and store (to cool) deciduous fruit after harvest while waiting for
retailers from Netherlands and Europe which will be their market.
A total of R28,1 million has been invested in the project with R2,1 million
from the Department of Agriculture, R2,1 million from South Cape and 750 000
Euros from the Dutch government represented by 'Program voor Samewerking in
Ontwekkelende Markte' (PSOM), used for the erection of this structure, training
and capacity building. This will consist of 35% for Emerging Farmers, 35% for
South Cape and 30% from Hage to make 100% ownership. This structure is expected
to be finished before the end of November 2006, and opened officially in
January 2007.
This enterprise emerged after an outcry from emerging farmers on challenges
they encountered during harvesting, which resulted in them losing a lot of
money because it resulted in a loss of income due to bruises while the fruit is
being transported and that reduces quality. The only solution they had was to
take their produce to commercial farmers who have got the facilities to keep
their production before it is delivered to the retailers. Therefore this
initiative will provide a pack-house with low cost and less post harvest
losses, and with better quality produce available for export.
The Department of Agriculture, with the objectives of agricultural growth
and economic development, has developed a strong focus on emerging farmers to
develop them to become commercial farmers. Hence it was in support of this
venture and injected a lot of money. This pack-shed will encompass 20 000 bins
of fruit, six re-cooling tunnels to handle 720 pallets per week and two
controlled-atmosphere stores. About �160 jobs are expected to be created for
staff members on this project.
Ms Lianne Houben, representative from Netherlands, who came to visit the
project yesterday, said "I am very much impressed with the progress made on the
project - that means the vision that the Netherlands government had to develop
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) is fulfilled." Mr Johnny Katteldas, the
chairperson of Musgand Kleinboere Trust-Laurita, one of the emerging group
farmers to benefit on this project said, "We are grateful of what is being done
by the department because even 2005 - 2006 we received two tractors, irrigation
equipment and inputs." He also mentioned that, due to high rate of
unemployment, as the farming groups we intend to invest some funds for our
youth to go to tertiary institutions and advance themselves in careers focusing
on agriculture as it will generate more money. About 20 people are employed on
the Laurita project, with a further 26 employed during harvest time.
Enquiries:
Zoleka Dondolo
Tel: (040) 609 3965
Cell: 082 771 7152
Fikile Black
Cell: 082 578 1437
Tel: (040)609 3486
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
12 September 2006
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)
