Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries signs Memorandum of Understanding with the People’s Republic of China
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the entry and exit animal inspection and quarantine with Chinese Vice Minister of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China, Mr LI Yuaping during the Launch of Operation Phakisa on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in Roodeplaat, Pretoria.
The MoU is anticipated to enhance South Africa's cooperation with the People's Republic of China in the agriculture sector and to facilitate the sharing of expertise relating to the implementation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. The two states will also collaborate on the prevention of animal disease and control. On signing the agreement, Minister Zokwana said, “the MoU will enable farmers in particular the small scale farmers to ensure that their beef will be able to reach the shores of China”.
President Jacob Zuma also launched Operation Phakisa: Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development under the theme “Transforming the Agricultural Sector towards an Inclusive Rural Economy”. The programme aims to enhance and transform the agricultural sector as well as accelerate land reform to ensure an inclusive rural economy.
Among other interventions, the programme reviews existing producer support and development finance models, as well as fast tracking land reform to find workable solutions given the urgent need for government to make progress in land reform and food security.
The Operation Phakisa on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development also seeks to address constraints in ensuring the equitable access to land, both towards economic development and agrarian transformation.
For further information contact:
Makenosi Maroo
Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Tel: 012 319 6787
Cell: 072 475 2956
E-mail: MakenosiM@daff.gov.za
