30 July 2007
Now in its ninth year, the North West Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Environment (DACE) is continuing to reward and recognise the
contribution of women in agriculture in the province. Through the Female Farmer
of the Year competition, women who have shown diligence, innovation and
dedication in the fight against poverty are given the opportunity to profile
their agricultural projects.
The competition, which began in 1999 through the initiation of the national
Department of Agriculture, attracts women farmers across the province. This
initiative seeks to lift the social, cultural, and economic barriers to enable
women to play an essential role in the agricultural sector.
The competition allows entrants nominated by the community, to compete in
four categories, namely: Top producer for export markets, top producers for
national markets, top producer for informal markets, and top producer for
household use.
In selecting winners in the four categories, "we focus on aspects such as
entrepreneurial development, job creation and the management of agricultural
resources for current and future generations," explained Acting MEC for
Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Phenye Vilakazi.
MEC Vilakazi says emerging female farmers in the province have made progress
in other categories, except for the export market category that remains elusive
to them. "This is due to lack of consistent supply on the part of these farmers
which is a condition for export market. Interventions are however in place to
take deserving and promising farmers through stages of development to meet the
exporting requirements," said Phenye Vilakazi.
As we enter the month of August, 16 agricultural projects managed by women
will compete for this trophy during an awarding ceremony to be held at Sun
City, Rustenburg, on the 6 August 2007. This year's provincial competition is
expected to be tight, with entrants varying from crop and livestock farming to
lion breeding.
Winners of all four categories including the overall winner will represent
the province during the national event to be held in Mpumalanga, where they
will compete with winners from other provinces.
To ensure growth of the projects, the national Department of Agriculture has
this year increased prizes to be won in each category. Winners of identified
categories will take home a total amount of R50 000. First runners-up will
collect R25 000, while the second runners-up will take home R15 000. Since
1999, the competition has been running in partnership with private sponsors
like ABSA, Land Bank, Total South Africa, and Onderstepoort Biological
products.
"Realising the importance of the agriculture sector in the North West
province, the department believes this competition will continue to ensure
creation of job opportunities and the halving of poverty by 2014," concluded
Acting MEC Vilakazi.
This year's central message is "Renewing our pledge � A national partnership
to build a better life for all. Food for All."
Enquiries:
Lesego Mncwango
Tel: 018 389 5768
Cell: 078 459 5981
E-mail: Lmncwango@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North West
Provincial Government
30 July 2007
