9 October 2007
President Thabo Mbeki chaired the Presidential Working Group on Commercial
Agriculture at the Union Buildings today.
The meeting received a report on the Land and Agriculture Reform Programme
by the Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs.
The programme (which will be based on co-operative governance, private,
public and civic partnerships) broadly aims to eradiate poverty, accelerate
economic growth and social inclusion, to address structural challenges of the
organisation and capacity of the state, reach out to the youth and women as
well as improving the country's skills base.
The programme seeks to contribute to the government's 2014 objectives of
halving poverty by 50% and to contribute to the 6% economic growth and create 6
million new jobs through land reform and increased production.
In this regard, the programme aims to redistribute five million hectares of
agricultural land to 10 000 new agricultural producers, increase black
entrepreneurs in the agribusiness industry by 10%, provide universal access and
agricultural support services to target groups, amongst others.
The meeting emphasised the need for capacity building for the success of the
programme. The department will further engage with stakeholders on the details
of the programme.
The Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs further briefed the meeting
of the imminent filling by South Africa, of an Agricultural Commissioner at
International Trade and Agricultural Commission, the body which regulates
tariffs.
The meeting reflected on rising food prices and government interventions to
ease the burden on the population, especially the poor. The department will
undertake further work and present a report in the next meeting.
For more information, please contact:
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Cell: 082 300 3447
Issued by: The Presidency
9 September 2007
