"In August, Cabinet approved Project Khulisa. We're currently in the process of getting final budget approval so that we can start implementing our action plans.
"Under a high growth scenario, the agri-processing sector's Gross Value Add (GVA) could grow from R12 billion to R26 billion in the next five years. The agri-processing sector has the potential to offer significant economic opportunities to residents of all skill levels in urban and rural areas."
MEC Winde said Project Khulisa had outlined a set of targeted interventions to reach these objectives. This includes capturing a larger share of the global Halaal market; increasing exports of wine and brandy to China and Angola and improving local capacity to process agricultural produce.
"China is the fastest growing emerging market for wine. Year on year their imports are growing by 80%. We need to tap into this market. Angola is the fastest growing export market for South African wine in Africa. This is why we are seeking to double the value of South African wine exports to these two destinations by 2025.
"To reach this target, we have proposed the roll out of focused marketing campaigns in these destinations. As demand for our product grows, we will need to develop appropriate irrigation infrastructure to ensure we can increase production. This includes supporting efforts to increase the volume of water in the Brandvlei Dam. In this regard, we have established an inter-governmental and industry task team."
MEC Winde said a R10 million centralised testing facility was also on the cards. "This is line with our objective to improve local capacity to process goods to service domestic and international markets. This new facility, which we aim to establish by 2018, will allow us to increase the volume of goods we are able to test so that they can be released to international markets which have strict quality criteria."
"In another major infrastructure boost, we'll be collaborating with national to develop agri-parks in strategic locations. "The parks will be a hub for farmers, where they are able to receive the business support they need to grow their agri-enterprises. Part of the process will include selecting commodities and the development of comprehensive plans for farmers."
MEC Winde added that key priority of Project Khulisa's agri-processing strategy is the promotion of access to markets for emerging farmers.
Western Cape Economic Development and Tourism
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