keeping the Agriculture, Conservation and Environment sector alive
4 December 2007
Klerksdorp: MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
Environment in the North West province Mr Jan Serfontein, will on Friday, 7
December 2007, honour and reward North West farmers who are contributing to the
sustainability of agriculture in the province. The inaugural departmental
awards will be presented at a ceremony to be held at the Portuguese Hall in
Klerksdorp.
About 49 outstanding farmers who were nominated by the community to
participate, will compete for honours in four categories, namely, Best Crop
Farmer, Best Livestock Farmer, Best Game Farmer and Best Young Farmer. MEC Jan
Serfontein says there is a need for the Department to motivate its stakeholders
in striving for an improved economy and the sustainable use of natural
resources.
"Though there has been financial and various methods of support granted to
our stakeholders in the past, a formal frame work and guideline to pursue other
forms of recognition and reward for excellent work has now been endorsed. This
framework is an attempt to mobilise outstanding support from stakeholders in
the fields of agriculture, conservation and environment," explained MEC
Serfontein.
In selecting winners, judges were looking for farmers whom without direct
assistance from the department, managed to successfully pull through to the
higher echelons in the sector. In doing so the farmers demonstrated innovative
and excellent farming method applications, created jobs in their business and
noticeably supported other farmers.
"We want to proof to potential farmers that they need not wait for
government before exploring their interest in the sector," stated MEC
Serfontein. The awards also give a realistic picture of what the state of
agricultural development is in the province.
Members of the media are invited to the ceremony to be held as follows:
Date: Friday, 7 December 2007
Time: 18h00 for 18h30
Venue: Portuguese Hall, Klerksdorp
Enquiries:
Ms Lesego Mncwango
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 078 459 5981
Tel: 018 389 5768
E-mail: Lmncwango@nwpg.gov.za
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Media Relations
Cell: 082 901 2435
Tel: 018 389 5459
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North West
Provincial Government
4 December 2007
