In a reply to a parliamentary question it was revealed that the fund stands to create 550 new jobs. 24 Smallholder farmer groups have been earmarked as beneficiaries of this fund, which is targeted at 100% black owned entities, four of which are based in the Eastern Cape.
Further to this, the jobs fund is aimed at the commercialisation of smallholder farmers, many of whom are beneficiaries of land reform programmes. The targeted projects are being rolled out in the three fruit producing districts of the Western Cape: Overberg, Cape Winelands and Eden. The majority of these projects are aimed at our rural previously disadvantaged communities, as this is where job opportunities will be created.
The planned interventions will assist in the commercialisation of these entities, through increased production and access to formal markets - both domestic and export. The farmers in question will receive continuous mentorship support from their commercial counterparts, through the Department’s commodity approach.
The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to enabling a job-creating environment. Agricultural growth is key job-creation and in building an open society, where people have access to economic opportunity.
[Democratic Alliance press release by Beverley Schäfer MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Economic Opportunities, Tourism and AgricultureDA Constituency Head for Swellendam]