A recent visit to South Africa by French rugby players from the French agricultural college, the Centre de Formation Professionelle et de Promotion Agricole de Beaune (CFPPA), has been described as a sign of hope and resilience.
The group attended a breakfast at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI), hosted by the Western Cape minister of agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer. The CFPPA and the EATI have had an exchange programme since 2004.
Paul Cavalier, cooperation and cultural programme attaché from the French Consulate in Cape Town, pointed out that the visit meant a great deal to the existing relationship between the two countries
“It is a great pleasure for the French government that this agreement has stood the test of time. Our cooperation is rooted in agriculture and food security. However, it is more than a partnership and beneficial to our countries,” Cavalier said.
Upliftment for wine workers
According to Meyer, the exchange aims to strengthen academic and economic ties between these wine-growing regions.
“It is based on the principle of reciprocity. On an annual basis, Elsenburg Agricultural Institute selects and sends at least ten cellar worker students to the CFPPA Burgundy for training,” Meyer said.
“In return, the Western Cape annually hosts students from Burgundy for training at Elsenburg College and on wine estates in the Western Cape. In addition, every alternate year, a rugby team from Elsenburg visits the CFPPA and visa versa.”
Meyer added that the programme focuses on viticulture and cellar technology education. “It provides vocational training and social upliftment to wine agri-workers with no formal qualification up to NQF level 4.”
The project, he said, has been broadened to include lecturer exchange. It also provides for the training of agricultural extension staff involved in supporting and establishing new black farmers in the land reform programme.
“The agreement offers to students HOPE (Higher Opportunities for People to Excel),” Meyer said.
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