South Africa: Govt committed to assist emerging farmers

12 July 2007, BuaNews
URL: http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200707100958.html

Free State:   Government remains committed to assist and mentor small and emerging farmers during the post-settlement phase of land restitution, said Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff.

Speaking at the Free State Agriculture Annual Congress on Monday, Ms Marshoff said she was committed to ensuring there was an environment which was conducive to equitable access and participation in the agricultural sector.

"We have to promote and support emerging farmers within the sector with emphasis on economic empowerment initiatives for previously disadvantaged people," she said.

Ms Marshoff said she was pleased with the programmes undertaken by the Department of Agriculture especially with regard to providing assistance to land claimants in the post-settlement phase.

The provincial government's spokesperson Thebogo Sikisi told BuaNews on Tuesday that a number of programmes existed to assist claimants once land had been transferred.

"The 'Adopt a neighbour' (campaign) is one of our programmes in which established commercial farmers take small emerging farmers under their wing," he said.

Mr Sikisi said experienced farmers transfer knowledge and skills through a process of "practical mentorship".

He highlighted that government had other projects and programmes on offer which provided assistance from the Land Bank, the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the department's Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs).

The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa, established in 1912 as an agricultural financier, does not pay tax to government and is therefore required to support agricultural development.

The Land Bank website reports that following the 1997 Strauss Commission report, the Land Bank was mandated to 'deracialise' the agricultural sector and "bring on board farmers from previously marginalised groups to the mainstream of South Africa's agricultural sector.

The CASP provides post-settlement support to certain targeted beneficiaries of land reform and others who have acquired land through private means.

It also aims to increase community involvement and land ownership, target grant beneficiaries from previously disadvantaged communities, enhance national and household food security, and provide institutional and technical support for agricultural activities in the country.

The AEOs supply emerging farmers with agricultural information and advice to help them implement correct farming practices. They also help farmers to deal with problems such as soil erosion, over-cultivated land, overused pastures and water scarcity.