The Small-Scale Farmers Association in Barrydale, Western Cape received a leg up from the Western Cape minister of agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer.
On a recent visit to Barrydale, a village located on the border of the Overberg and Klein Karoo region, Meyer handed over a support package. This included a tractor for the planting, sowing and harvesting of lucerne; a hammer mill to assist farmers in making their animal feed; extension and advisory services to enable farmers in the production of fodder; and the introduction of genetically superior animals into cattle and pig herds.
According to Meyer, developing and supporting farmers is one of his priorities.
“Support via the Western Cape department of agriculture’s (WCDoA) extension and advisory services are vital in developing small-scale farming businesses into profitable enterprises,” Meyer said.
Improving the quality of operations
Meyer continued to say that the support package aimed to assist farmers in improving the quantity and quality of the animals they produce. This is to ensure that farmers can compete for the best prices on the market.
“Practical support focuses on fodder, the genetic improvement of the current herds of cattle and pigs, and making a tractor and hammer mill available for making animal feed,” he said.
“Climate change has also had a significant impact on animal health. For this reason, the WCDoA’s veterinary services will provide complementary support to the farmers.”
Greater market access
Commenting on behalf of the local small-scale farmers, Morris Riddles, the Barrydale Small-Scale Farmers Association chairperson, thanked the department for its support.
“Over the past few years, farmers have been hit by the drought, Covid-19, and the energy crisis. However, the difference between continuing and giving up has been the support provided by the Western Cape department of agriculture,” Riddles said.
Meyer added that he was heartened by the news that local farmers were planning a local market and auction day.
“Our support to small-scale farmers must translate into greater market access. Achieving this will contribute to growing our rural economy and creating jobs, which is a key priority of this government,” Meyer said.
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