KZN farmers to export their vegetables internationally
By: Siboniso Ntuli
Emerging farmers in KwaZulu-Natal will now have the opportunity to export their organic vegetables to international markets. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs and a Swiss company, BioSwiss.
The memorandum was officiated by Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister, Lulu Xingwana on Saturday, 19 April 2008, at the Dejarsdrift farm.
Xingwana said BioSwiss is working with the department on three land reform projects in the Vryheid area and they are extending the partnership arrangement to Dejarsdrift.
BioSwiss has invested R100 million in the development of a factory in Vryheid.
Gwelyn Owen, Chief Executive Officer of BioSwiss, said the factory would be targeting the export of high value organic vegetables to USA, France and Britain.
“We would like to expand this project to other regions of the province, once we see it successful in Vryheid.
“BioSwiss is committed itself to help the farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, that is why we decided to sign the eight years agreement with the Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs,” said Owen.
According to the department, land reform beneficiaries in partnership with BioSwiss, who provides communities with financial, technical, mentoring/training and business management, are producing goods to be exported internationally.
The partnership, which is already operational in the Vryheid region, has now been extended to the Dundee area, giving the proximity of the project to the factory.
Minster Xingwana said they hope the Memorandum of Agreement would help farmers in the province.
She also urged the farmers to use the land to grow food for their families and also for exporting to other countries.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
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