4 April 2007
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture recently hosted its annual open
days at its Elsenburg research farm outside Stellenbosch and entertained and
gave exposure to more than 1 300 children. "The aim with these open days is to
provide children with an opportunity to see farm animals and learn what is
involved in farming. Hopefully these visits will create an awareness of the
important part these animals and consequently the role agriculture plays in the
lives of all our communities," says William Gertenbach, Head of the
Department's Institute for Animal Production, with overall responsibility for
the event.
"It is really very important for the future of agriculture that young people
know where their food comes from. As a department we have to create awareness
for and enthuse young people to become involved with agriculture and even to
consider it is a career option." The department each year invites schools
(pre-primary and primary) to visit Elsenburg during the open days programme
which runs over three days in March.
The department has also embarked on the development of a Human Capital
Development Strategy whereby it aims to address the various scarce skills
within the sector and to change the image of agriculture through transformation
and training.
For enquiries, contact:
Liesl Muller
Tel: (021) 808 5196
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
4 April 2007
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government, (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
