emerging farmers in Groothoek, Pacaltsdorp
30 March 2006
This morning I had the privilege to be received on the farm Groothoek near
Pacaltsdorp in the George to visit emerging farmers and also to witness the
implementation of the first mechanisation centre for emerging farmers in this
province.
The 59 families on this farm will now have the full use of equipment to the
value of R516 000 purchased by the Department of Agriculture, which include a
lorry, tractor, plough, weed extractor, mulcher, tiller and a spray pump.
What make this project so unique is that all the disciplines in the
Department of Agriculture namely agricultural economics, training, research and
farmers support and development combined skills to deliver a mechanisation
practise to the Groothoek farming operation, which will enable these emerging
farmers to diversify into different projects namely mechanisation, geraniums
for essential oils, vegetables, dairy and organisational development.
The Department also developed a mechanisation plan for these farmers to
ensure proper control over vehicles and implements and a system for record
keeping.
This proud example of "agriculture for all" will greatly assist in the
strive of the Department of Agriculture not only to ensure that we adhere to
AgriBEE targets but also to ensure that we develop farmers, which can be
economically viable and sustainable for generations to come.
Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Tel: (021) 483 4700
Cell: 084 604 6701
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
30 March 2006
