Brits- Bojanala Youth Groups would like to see more training and development offered to share information on available opportunities in the Exports and Import related markets. The youth were part of a workshop on regulations relating to grading, packing and marking of fresh vegetables hosted by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
DARD) National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Thisworkshop was done as part of the 2nd Horticulture Expo held at Brits Sport Grounds on 15 August 2019.
The workshop was intended to share information with the farmers on the requirements for entering the fresh produce Exports and Import markets. This included legislative framework that govern the vegetable industry that farmers would need to understand before entering the market. Issues relating to restrictions, quality standards, packing requirements and packing materials were some of the discussions shared with the enthusiastic farming entrepreneurs.
Mr Mpho Sekgala from the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, who works with Food Imports and Exports standard, said it was imperative for the farmers to get information on the requirements as the market need ed people who would have a higher production volume and would be able to sustain it. He emphasised that many farmers end up facing challenges in their businesses because they d o not do enough research before entering the market. “ The Department is available to guide as and when farmers need to export. There is information in terms of which country need what type of fresh produce as well as when is that needed. This information is very handy because the farmers get to know the demand.
Sekgala encouraged the farmers to form structures which would have specialist s dealing with market access, Business Support, Capacity and Technical issues . He reiterated that the incumbents would enable a better operation of an organisation and create a sustainable process for the functioning thereof . “This means whenever you have received funding, your specialists based on their area of work must advice on how t he resources can be allocated and utilised. The effective use of the model allows for uninterrupted management of an organisation.
Tebogo More of SAYCC youth group from Kgabalatsane who participated at the workshop said the export and import market infor- mation was very advantageous on their part. He thought that more over the standards needed for exports and import markets, the session shared information which presented business opportunities for youth. “It was interesting because, more than what farmers need to do before exporting or importing, for us we saw a lot of opportunities for business especially for young people,” he quipped. “The Pack House concept is one which caught my attention. We will go out and do a research on what is needed for a fresh produce Pack House but from what I get here, t his is so doable for youth. We sometimes need to identify the gaps and be in position to close them,” More added.
He said he was going back to further share information with his five member group with a hope that they will feel inspired as he was. “Our involvement means many young people would be entepreneurs and because this would be a youth project even the jobs created must be biased to youth. Our contribution to youth employment statistics would be significant,” he concluded.
The DARD Director at Bojanala District, Ms Arlene Dikolomela encouraged the farmers to work together and start a forum which will look deeply into how farmers will work together to grow horticulture business and impact positively on people’s lives.
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
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