FOCUS Black farmers
FOCUS Black farmers benefit Fifty more producers earmarked for commercialisation programme. North West Provincial Government Improving market access for black small-holder producers will lead to improvements in income and food security and promote poverty alleviation. In a quest to ensure that producers and farmers participate meaningfully in the economy of the province through the food production value chain, the North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) has earmarked 50 more black producers for the commercialisation programme. The purpose of the Black Producers Commercialisation Programme (BPCP) is to support commercialisation of black producers’ farming enterprises, boost investment that will unlock and enhance production by these black producers while ensuring inclusive growth and facilitating sustainable job and wealth creation. The programme further promotes rural development and sector transformation in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The agriculture sector has been identified as a key platform for both transformation and economic growth and job creation. MEC Manketsi Tlhape says the programme is a great step towards allowing emerging farmers to have a bigger platform to grow and contribute to the economy of the province and the country. “The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the economy. We value our agricultural sector immensely because it contributes to economic development as well as food security and job creation for our people,” said MEC Tlhape. Tlhape also highlighted the fact that the productive agriculture sector has the potential to transform rural areas into sustainable economic centres. The support by government will see previously disadvantaged farmers having a platform to produce quality goods and services for consumers. Working with various stakeholders under the umbrella of Operation Phakisa, the National Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, together with the National Department of Rural Development and Land Reform are collectively addressing challenges of improved access to markets by emerging farmers. Such collective action yields big and swift results. Through a combination of farmers’ own initiative and motivation, favourable conditions to interact have been created. Through the inclusion of social activities, positive results have been achieved. The Black Producers Commercialisation Programme will provide comprehensive support to producers and increase access to finance and markets. NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2019 20
ARE YOU A FARMER AND IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO GROW YOUR FARMING BUSINESS? North West Agricultural Fund (NWAF) assists farmers with loans charged at an interest rate of South African prime rate Collateral will be needed of 50% of loan amount Farmers need to have registered a company Government employees can apply for the loan provided they produce permission granted by employer to perform remunerative work NWAF APPLICATIONS DON’T CLOSE Requirements for loan: Come visit us at our offices: AgriCentre Building Cnr. Dr. James Moroka & Stadium Road Private Bag X2039 Mmabatho 2735 Come visit us at our offices: Tel: (018) 389 5111/5919 NWAF: Leading North West financial intermediary for radical socio-economic transformation “Together we move Bokone Bophirima forward’ • A Viable Business Plan • Access to land: Permission to Occupy / Tribal lease agreement / Property ownership • Market contracts / Letter of intent • Company Registration Certificates • Tax Clearance Certificate • 6 month bank statement • Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) documentation Required Documents: Identity Document (Owner’s ID), Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree where applicable, Proof of address
