The North West department of agriculture hosted an engagement session with key role players in the beef industry, funding, and academic research with the focus of coming up with a strategic plan on how to improve the sector with farmers’ interest at the centre.
The engagement led by the department included representatives from the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), the University of Pretoria and PepsiCo.
‘It is doable’
According to the department, the meeting was aimed at starting a conversation on the agricultural value chain as well as funding models that are offered within the sector.
The University of Pretoria’s Dr Dani Jordaan presented his research case study on rapid change in South African beef chains. It also focused on how the province can learn and implement some of the studies from the report.
Jordaan said the evolution of the beef value chain over the decades has been driven by the continuous increase of consumption as income rises.
“This is attributed to the lower calorie-dense starchy staples and relatively more nutrient-dense meats, oils, fruit and vegetables diet.
“Thus the high demand for beef causing the triple increase in retailing through supermarkets and food services footprint,” he said.
Jordaan said there were various opportunities for farmers within the beef sector which the department could look at. However, he added, large capital is required to ensure the sustainability and profitability of these businesses especially among black farmers.
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Funding is critical
Meanwhile, Diale Tilo from Kgodiso Development Fund’s agricultural development spoke on the importance of ensuring that there are proper funding models for farming enterprises.
“The fund empowers black farmers through funding, business development, and increased access to the market, and is committed to building the professional capacity of emerging black farmers while increasing the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices to build farmer resilience,” he said.
North West agriculture MEC Desbo Mohono said the department is committed to ensuring a collaborative effort in its service offerings.
“We are facing significant challenges of high unemployment, weak economic growth prospects, rising poverty and inequality.
“Agriculture is one resilient sector and empowerment is key for farmers and prospective ones. We therefore need to attract investment in the sector so that our farmers can be not only looking into government for support but from partners as well,” she said.
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