22 August 2023
MEC Manopole attends Saamtrek Saamwerk Farmers Business Conference
Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs,Rural Development & Land Reform,Mme Mase Manopole has called on farmers to contribute positively in growing the provincial economy.
MEC Manopole was speaking at the Saamtrek & Saamwerk Farmers Business Conference held in Kimberley,Frances Baard District Municipality.
She was impressed that Saamtrek Saamwerk farmers took farming not as a hobby but rather a serious business as it has the potential to create more job opportunities & grow the economy. Saamtrek Saamwerk farmers believe in hand holding, not handouts.
The MEC acknowledged that the country's economy faces many challenges,hence the call for farmers to contribute.
MEC,however,shared good news with farmers despite economic woes in the country."China has shown an interest in our lucerne because of its quality, now we are appealing to you to form joint ventures because it is critical for this to be successful."Exclaimed! MEC Manopole.
Saamtrek Saamwerk farmers believe in hand holding,not handouts.Hence they contribute positively in growing the provincial economy.
Meanwhile,Saamtrek Saamwerk chairperson,Mr Sehularo,encouraged farmers to take opportunities presented by role players such Beef Master and Redmeat Producer Organisations."Compliance is critical in registering a business opens business opportunities like selling directly to feedlots and buying lucerne direct from farmers for feed". Outlined Mr Sehularo.He concluded that his organisation will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Redmeat Producer Organisations (RPO) where they will mentor and train his farmers.
Topics covered include Departmental Agri BBBEE & Cooperatives,Black Management Forum tackling transformation in the sector,Farm workers insurance,SARS,RPO & Beef Master,Land Bank (Blended Funding & Loans) and Importance of having a will.
The Saamtrek SaamWerk marched on the slogan "We work the Land, we feed the nation, we lead others follow where about 100 farmers braced the Farmers Business Conference