Dr Ivan Meyer - Record of Delivery 2019-2024

* This prayer was written by Minister Meyer during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we go through different challenges as a sector, this Prayer remains relevant in providing us with hope.

WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

RECORD OF DELIVERY 2019-2024

Presented by:

Dr Ivan Meyer

Minister of Agriculture

Western Cape Government 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER

“The Western Cape’s vast agricultural lands are not just the bread basket of our province, they are also the heart and soul of our region.

The resourcefulness of our agricultural community mirrors the resilience of our residents. In every “dorpie” I visit, it is the warmth of farmers, agri-workers and rural communities that stands out prominently. And it is the hard work of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and its partners that keeps driving our province to new heights.

Agriculture is a critical economic sector of the province, over 50% of all South Africa’s agricultural exports coming from the Western Cape. The sector is also integral to our government and province’s job creation successes.

I applaud Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, and his team for their role in ensuring our province’s prosperity.

This Record of Delivery should serve as an inspiration for us all to keep working tirelessly for our citizens.”

Alan Winde Premier of the Western Cape

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

“In agriculture we listen to the needs of our sector partners (farmers, agri-workers and producers), support their choices and help them to implement their dreams, because we are responsible for the promotion of agriculture in all its rich diversity in the Western Cape.

This Record of Delivery is my vision, that is the five ministerial priorities, which has come to life through the hard work and dedication by the numerous role-players that shares my passion for agriculture as well as the dream for a prosperous Western Cape for all.”

Dr Ivan Meyer Western Cape Minister of Agriculture 2019-2024

“As we reflect on the journey of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, during the past five years, it gives me great pleasure to introduce this record of delivery together with Minister. Under the visionary leadership of Minister Meyer, and the unwavering dedication of our civil servants and agricultural stakeholders, we have achieved remarkable milestones.

This booklet encapsulates the success stories, the challenges overcome, and the transformative impact of our collective efforts in advancing the agricultural sector.

With clean audits as a testament to our commitment to good governance, we have not only fulfilled the five ministerial priorities, but also propelled the sector towards becoming the sunrise sector for economic growth and rural prosperity. May this record inspire future endeavors and stand as a testament to the passion and resilience of all involved in shaping a united, responsive and prosperous agricultural sector in balance with nature.”

Dr Mogale Sebopetsa Head of Department Western Cape Department of Agriculture

LETTER OF APPOINTMENT AS WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

Section 132 (2) constitution of RSA, 1996

“The Premier of a Province appoints the Members of the Executive Council, assigns their powers and functions and may dismiss them.”

ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Section 133 of the Constitution of the RSA, 1996

1. The members of the Executive Council of a province are responsible for the functions of the executive assigned to them by the Premier.

2. Members of the Executive Council of a province are accountable collectively and individually to the legislature for the exercise of their powers and the performance of their functions.

3. Members of the Executive Council of a province must:

a. act in accordance with the Constitution and, if a provincial constitution has been passed for the province, also that constitution; and

b. provide the legislature with full and regular reports concerning matters under their control.

VALUES OF THE WESTERN

Caring

To care for those we serve and work with.

Competence

The ability and capacity to do the job we were employed to do.

Accountability

We take responsibility.

Integrity

To be honest and do the right thing.

Innovation

To be open to new ideas and develop creative solutions to problems in a resourceful way.

Responsiveness

To serve the needs of our citizens and employees.

GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AGRICULTURE

HASHTAG

#ForTheLoveOfAgriculture

After six months in the job, I noticed the hostility from some political parties towards farmers and agriculture in general. I understand that politics is a hostile environment, but I refused to allow that kind of hostility to touch my farmers, agri-workers and producers.

I refused because I know how hard they work to feed our nation. Farming is hard enough. Farmers and agri-workers put food on your plate and the least society could do is to show a little bit of respect for people who are putting food on your plate. So, I decided to create a #hashtag.

I called it #ForTheLoveOfAgriculture to show appreciation and respect to all farmers and agri-workers in South Africa.

This hashtag is now a well-known hashtag, and I even launched it on a cold storage delivery vehicle belonging to a French company, Petit Forestier, Brackenfell, Western Cape.

MINISTERIAL PRIORITIES FOR AGRICULTURE IN THE WESTERN CAPE

HIGHLIGHTS PER MINISTERIAL PRIORITY FOR THE PERIOD 2019 TO 2024

STRUCTURED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH

1.Outcomes

2. Achievements

• The Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute continued to provide agricultural education and training to 2 248 registered students since 2019. Short skills courses were offered to 17 098 beneficiaries, a total of 180 students articulated from the Learnership Programme into the Higher Education and Training band and the College provided financial support to 539 qualifying students.

• Furthermore, 781 interns were appointed to gain workplace experience and earn a stipend, 53 interns obtained permanent employment due to participation in the internship programmes, 257 bursaries were awarded for under and postgraduate studies in an agricultural related field, 22 scholarships were awarded to grade 8-12 learners at agricultural schools and schools with science and mathematics.

• The New Diploma in Agriculture, on National Qualification Framework Level 6 (NQF6), was registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in 2019 and implemented in January 2020.

• The College concluded the first Recognition of Prior Learning Programme (RPL) in 2022 and the second RPL programme will be concluded by the end of July 2024. A total of 47 RPL beneficiaries graduated on 4 April 2022 and another graduation for RPL beneficiaries is planned for 2024.

• The celebration of the 125 th birthday of the College was held in 2023 with the highlight of the celebration occurring together with the 2023 graduation ceremony.

• The evaluation to determine the employability of Elsenburg graduates was concluded. The evaluation found that 68.1% of the graduates were more likely to be employed. This is 26.4% higher than their counterparts surveyed in StatSA’s Quarterly Labour Force Statistics. A Management Improvement Plan is in place to address all recommendations made in the report.

• The 17 th Annual Ostrich Auction (2021) with 80 birds was held on 16 March 2021 at Oudtshoorn Research Farm and will bolster the ostrich industry with superior genetic material. This was followed by a successful Ostrich Products Showcase, hosted by Minister Meyer, for foreign dignitaries, which was supported by the SA Ostrich Business Chamber and Cape Karoo International at Leeuwenhof on 14 March 2022.

• The Western Cape Cannabis Framework and Implementation Plan (CanPlan) was completed and launched at the Ministerial Stakeholder meeting on 29 March 2023.

Table 1: Outputs for Ministerial Priority on Structured Education, Training and Research

3. Conclusion

This Ministerial priority has focused attention on the importance of capacity building and the development of skills, whether through formal programmes, or short courses. The full impact may not be felt in the short-term and is not be limited only to the Western Cape. This investment in people can never be underestimated, as the sustainability of agriculture is underpinned by the Department's commitment to growing people.

This sustainability is further strengthened by the comprehensive research agenda. These projects that we celebrate and highlight must therefore continue in order to sustain our future and expand our footprint in support of growth, jobs and safety.

FARMER SUPPORT

1.Outcomes

2. Achievements

The APSD Programme continued to provide support to producers through agricultural development programmes/initiatives via the CASP/llima grant funding, linked to the commodity approach to enable and ensure the transformation of the agricultural sector, which leads to economic growth, inclusion and increase in food production, among others.

To date, 156 Farmer Days have been held across all the districts of the Western Cape.

These engagements created a platform for a direct interface with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders in the district to discuss topical issues relevant to the district, transversal agricultural policy frameworks that impact the agricultural sector, as well as the sharing of ideas, best practices and expertise among agricultural role-players.

Furthermore, for the period 2019 – 2023/24, the grant allocation per commodity, as illustrated below, contributed to various production inputs and infrastructure needs, as requested by land reform farmers and or private landowners, as defined by the criteria of CASP. This financial contribution directly impacts and supports the sustainability of land reform enterprises, whilst ongoing producer support services, i.e. extension and advisory services are available to the farmers. See table below.

Furthermore, through the grant allocation, several farmers have benefited over the said period, totaling R596 871 million. The allocation is spread over various commodities and districts linked to the applications received each year. See the below illustration.

Table 2: Outputs for Ministerial Priority on Farmer Support

Table 3: CASP and Ilima allocations

Table 4: Number of farmers and commodities supported

Table 5: Categories of farmers supported

SUCCESS STORIES OF FARMERS THAT BENEFITED FROM THE SUPPORT:

Akkedisberg Workers Trust / Southern Treasures Wines

On a long winding road in the Kleinrivier Valley of the Overberg district, you will find a very special vineyard. This project is a wine grapes production unit. The beneficiaries rent 20ha from the farm owner for a period of 30 years. The project started during 2014. This project aims to empower the farm workers who also reside on the farm. The beneficiaries established a private company, Akkedisberg Boerdery, (PTY) Ltd with two directors who manage the business on a day-to-day basis. Since 2014, this project has been supported by the Western Cape Government with various inputs and the establishment of vines. Included is a tractor and sprayer. Twenty hardworking men and women make up the Akkedisberg trust (10 males and 10 females). Since 2014 till current, a total of 16ha of vines have been planted with the support granted by the Wine Grape CPAC. The project harvested its first crop during March 2018.

The group designed and registered their own brand - Southern Treasures. Andrew Moos is a farm labourer turned cellar hand, trained by Josef Dreyer in the art of winemaking. Andrew’s 20 years of hands-on cellar experience combined with generational knowledge, intuitive understanding of the land he grew up on and his innate viticulture talent makes him uniquely skilled to create wines.

They also market their own wines. Support is still needed with new markets for their product. A process has also been started whereby eight of the members can get recognition of prior learning through the Agri-seta and obtain a qualification.

La Vouere (Pty) Ltd

Tweefonteinen farm number 368 portion no. 40 with an extent of 32.79 hectares was acquired through a land reform programme in 2003 and is in the name of La Vouere (Pty) Ltd. Tweefonteinen farm no. 368 of portion no. 42 with an extent of 77.41hectares was acquired through own funding. There are two beneficiaries in the business, a male and female. The farm is 110.6 ha with total farmable land of 85 ha and 38.8 ha of nectarine fruit trees. The farm is managed as a family business and as such it is easy to report back on daily farm activities, developments and decision taken to enhance prosperity of the

farming business. The farm has entered into a partnership with Verdun Estates and formed an operating company called La Vouere Stonefruit. The shareholding in this company is 51% La Vouere (Pty) Ltd and 49% Verdun Estates.

La Vouere market the fruit via the mentor (Verdun Estates). Verdun Estates market the fruit locally and internationally and have BRC and GlobalGAP certification. The farm is GlobalGAP and SIZA certified. Fruits are produced under market specification and meet the requirements as specified in the applicable standard for grades of the market, colour, packaging and product, grading according to their market specification.

Signing of MoUs with Commodity Partners

The Agricultural Producer Support and Development programme through its Extension and Advisory Services sub-programme has provided continued agricultural support to all farmers through the site visits and advice given to them. Over the past five years more than 20 000 site visits to farmers were done to give advice and to strengthen performance and commercialisation of land reform enterprises.

The commodity approach adopted by the Department has provided added support to the extension practitioners as the commodity partners continue to provide support through their mentorship programmes. The Department have signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with eleven commodity partners as well as with the Department of Correctional Services, with whom it has started to implement joint projects.

Signing of MoUs with Commodity Partners for the next three years

Departmental Extension and Advisory Symposium

This event has been an opportunity/platform for extension practitioners to showcase some of their research and successes, learn from each other, receive farmers feeback and share some of the latest technologies in agriculture. This ensures that there is continuous learning and improvement in the sector.

The programme for the symposium is meticulously planned and discussed by the steering committee that ensures the most relevant theme and speakers are identified.

One Home One Garden

One Home One Garden programme was launched in George and then later in Mitchells Plain in September 2020. The main aim is to encourage the citizens of the Western Cape to establish food gardens so that they can produce their own food and not rely on purchased food, thereby improving on household food security and nutrition.

Just after launching this campaign, Minister Meyer and the Department upscaled the number of Household Agricultural Food Production Initiatives from 800

The departmental extension and advisory symposium provides a platform to recognise the hardworking extension officers and staff members of the WCDoA.

to 5 626. Out of this, about 2 000 food gardens were implemented between September to December 2020. This has helped put food on the tables of many poor households. This was matched with increased support towards community food gardens, where 61 projects were supported.

In living the values of the Western Cape Government, the Department has supported more than 16 000 household with means to produce their own food since 2019.

The impact of these interventions was assessed by an external evaluation which revealed that over 70% of the supported were able to meet their food needs, post intervention.

World Food Day

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) adopted 16 October as World Food Day to commemorate the founding of the organisation in 1945. Addressing the challenges of Food Insecurity and Nutrition remains top of the agenda of the Department. The purpose of World Food Day is to heighten public awareness of the world food shortage and to strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

Food Security Interventions

Benefit of a Household Food Garden

Food Security Interventions

3. Conclusion

It must be emphasised that partnerships and relationship building, i.e. with industry partners, commodity organisations, the farmers and government (DALRRD), as the enablers for grant fund support, as well as expert extension advice and tailored producer support programmes/initiatives, are the building blocks to sustainable agricultural enterprises.

From 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2024, we have supported more than 16 986 households with agricultural food production initiatives, more than 229 smallholder farmers, more than 721 subsistence farmers, 150 schools’ food gardens, and 13 food garden promotion and awareness raising sessions.

RURAL SAFETY

1.Outcomes

Rural Safety as a priority was about creating an enabling and safe environment for farmers and agri-workers in the Western Cape. In reponse to this, the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (DPOCS) in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), drafted a Provincial Rural Safety Plan, to respond to the rural safety challenges and needs identified by relevant stakeholders.

The inadequate and fragmented rural safety and security measures remain a threat to farmers and agri-workers as well as human dignity, as it has a direct impact on agricultural growth and job security. To this end, the Rural Development Programme within the WCDoA facilitates the Safety Priority, which promotes rural safety, for a safer and secure agricultural environment, in collaboration with the DPOCS, SAPS, Department of Mobility, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, as well as Organised

Table 6: Outputs for Ministerial Priority on Rural Safety

Agriculture (Agri Western Cape).

Over the last five years the WCDoA coordinated key initiatives in an attempt to strengthen the relevant safety structures, such as encouraging the accreditation of farm/neighbourhood watches. Key interventions implemented includes:

• Institutionalisation of Rural Safety as a Ministerial Priority;

• Establishment of a Rural Safety Desk;

• Development of the Rural Safety Monitoring Dashboard;

• Conducting of a Rural Safety Baseline Study;

2. Achievements

• Development and distribution of a Rural Safety Pocket Guide and brochures (Rural safety awareness and information sharing).

2.1 Institutionalisation of Rural Safety as a Ministerial Priority

Duly institutionalised, signed off and approved by Provincial Cabinet in 2020. The impact of a lack of safety across all sectors and all levels, whether it be individual, relationship, community or societal, was substantial, and therefore the Department took the lead in the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Rural Safety, chaired by Minister Meyer, and Technical Committee on Rural Safety (TCRS), chaired by the Deputy Director General Mr Darryl Jacobs.

Partnerships and collaboration are essential to ensure the safety of the citizens of the Western Cape. SAPS, Western Cape Government (WCG) and community structures working together in a collaborative manner are important to advance rural safety. The TCRS forum brings together key stakeholders and safety coordinators from across the province to discuss and address safety-related matters. A report is then provided to the IMC for noting indicating progress made by the TCRS for a specific quarter. Following these deliberations, action plans were developed to address the issue of undocumented foreign nationals working on farms.

The IMC's main goal is to assess the Western Cape's Rural Safety Plan and other related rural safety structures, using the data provided by the TCRS. It also aims to identify the needs and priorities for policing, as well as taking farm attacks into account. Collaboration and strong linkages with all the roleplayers in the agricultural sector are crucial in identifying vulnerable rural areas, creating action plans and monitoring land invasion protocols. The IMC submits quarterly reports to the Western Cape Cabinet and regularly reports to the media on farm attacks and rural safety. One of the actions emanating from an IMC meeting was to address the issue of undocumented foreign nationals working on farms. This culminated into a Dialogue Session with all role-players to discuss the issue.

2.2 Establishment of the Rural Safety Desk

The Rural Safety desk was established for the monitoring, verification and tracking of incidents of crime received by the WCDOA. In addition, it provides

a platform for the public, farmers/producers, agri-workers and agricultural stakeholders to log enquiries, queries and matters on rural safety. This information is received via email, WhatsApp messages, any form of written correspondence as well as a dedicated email address developed for this purpose (DOA.Ruralsafety@westerncape.gov.za). The Project Coordinator in the Rural Development programme is responsible for the monitoring of the Rural Safety Desk. Incidents reported are followed up and verified by the Project Coordinator. The desk provides valuable information to stakeholders such as SAPS, who follow up on incidents and provide progress on cases, including case numbers and court appearances. The Court Watching Brief Unit from DPOCS closely monitors these cases from the time of arrest until the court case has ended. The smooth functioning of the Rural Safety Desk involves:

• Collating and recording data - as received from CDOs and other sources - on various farms and rural communities regarding crime;

• Escalating cases to the appropriate Law Enforcement agencies i.e. via DPOCS for investigation by SAPS officials;

• Monitoring and tracking of incidents reported;

• Providing feedback to the Rural Safety Committees in the form of statistics, progress reports etc.;

• Facilitating sharing of valuable information with rural communities, agriworkers and farmers via institutional structures by CDOs and DDs

• Updating the web-based online reporting platform with relevant data. The Rural Safety Desk is linked to the Rural Safety Dashboard and has been successful in strengthening collaborative efforts between stakeholders such as SAPS, DHA, DEL, DPOCS and WCED, towards improving rural safety in the rural and farming communities. The ultimate goal is to create a safe and thriving agricultural sector.

Minister Allen and Minister Meyer –Co-chairs of IMC

Dialogue Session on employment of undocumented foreign nationals

2.3 Rural Safety Monitoring Dashboard

The value add of the Rural Safety Dashboard is that it is able to track hotspots and vulnerable areas as well as statistics on the various type of crimes. The Department developed a Rural Safety Monitoring Dashboard, in conjunction with Enterprise GIS-solutions, to monitor rural safety incidents reported within the agricultural environment. This interactive digital platform uses mobile and web-mapping applications to identify rural crime hotspots and inform data-led rural safety interventions. The platform collaborates with district safety forums to improve safety within rural and agricultural communities across the province. It further informs data-led rural safety interventions with the aim of improving safety within rural and agricultural communities across the province.

Over the last five years, eighty-four incidents have been recorded on the rural safety monitoring dashboard. The Dashboard provides:

• Institutionalisation of a safe and secure portal for rural safety incidents;

• A management tool for monitoring and tracking;

Rural Safety Dashboard process

Minister Meyer attending court proceedings of farm attacks

• Tracking and viewing of statistics per district/municipality, as well as the type of incidents reported, overview of trends and

• Sharing of data with DPOCS for integration into a provincial dashboard, and District Safety Forums for further investigation/follow-up, where needed.

The Rural Safety Desk is linked to the Rural Safety Dashboard and has been successful in strengthening collaborative efforts between stakeholders such as SAPS, DHA, DEL, DPOCS and WCED towards improving rural safety in the rural and farming communities. The ultimate goal is to create a safe and thriving agricultural sector.

Rural Safety Monitoring Dashboard

2.4 Rural Safety Baseline Study

The WCDOA appointed a service provider to conduct a survey to establish a baseline on the incidents and influence of crime, functioning of farm watches and safety perceptions in rural areas of the Western Cape Province. The findings showed that farmers/producers and agri-workers constantly live under the fear that they will become victims of crime. Thus, it is important that the Western Cape Government continuously displays its commitment to support the farming community in the fight against crime in rural regions.

One of the findings was that farm owners should be encouraged to implement more sophisticated security measures, such as fencing, cameras, lights, alarm systems and gates, to protect themselves and agri-workers, especially during the night and over weekends. Through the IMC and district safety forums, the WCG has lobbied for the integration of technology systems, in order to establish a Central Command Centre with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, to improve safety and deter criminals. This will facilitate the flow of crime intelligence information and encourage the integration of District Municipalities, Neighbourhood Watches and Farm Watches.

Another finding of the study was the establishment of a one-stop crime prevention helpdesk, which was done by the WCDOA. Based on the findings, a Management Improvement Plan was developed, to address the areas of concern in a holistic manner.

2.5 Development and distribution of Rural Safety Pocket Guides and Brochures (Rural Safety awareness and information sharing).

The WCDoA, in collaboration with the Western Cape Mobility Department (Road Safety Management Unit and Provincial Traffic) facilitated and implemented rural safety awareness sessions among stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The session focused on the safe transportation of agri-workers, as well as safety in broader rural communities.

Baseline Study on Crime in Rural Areas of the Western Cape

Rural Safety Brochure

Rural Safety Pocket Guide

Over the past five years, the WCDoA has facilitated the following:

• During 2023, the WCDoA held Road Safety Awareness Sessions in collaboration with the Western Cape Mobility Department (Road Safety Management Unit) and Provincial Traffic in the Overberg, Cape Winelands and the West Coast. Similar sessions were held in 2021 and 2022. The purpose of the engagements was to create awareness amongst agriworkers and producers regarding the safe transportation of agri-workers.

• Continuous liaison with the Road Safety Management Unit on road and pedestrian safety and providing contact details to assist producers in this regard.

• The Rural Development Programme promotes and encourages producers, farm management and agri-workers to adhere to legislation and protocols, highlighting best practices related to safe and dignified transportation of agri-workers.

• The Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, addressed the matter of Regulation 247 in a letter to the Provincial Minister of Mobility, Mr McKenzie, concerning the safe and dignified transportation of agri-workers. This will ensure that the issue is given priority and attention, as agri-worker fatalities and injuries have a direct impact on farm production and day-today operations.

• In addition, Minister Meyer requested that the matter be raised at national level with the Minister of Transport, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, via the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza. This will potentially influence the legislation regarding the safe transportation of agri-workers, to improve the safe and dignified transportation of agriworkers.

• General Road Safety is also highlighted in the Pocket Guide for Rural Safety, which is shared with stakeholders across the agricultural sector. For a copy of the Rural Safety Pocket Guide, visit: https://www.elsenburg. com/programmes/rural-safety/

Awareness and Information Session on Pedestrian Safety

In addition, the purpose of the sessions was also to create awareness among rural communities and provide a platform where they can engage relevant government departments and key stakeholders on issues relating to Gender Based Violence, social ills, unemployment etc.

3. Conclusion

The WCDoA is in the process of appointing a service provider to conduct an evaluation of the rural safety interventions and draft a proposed Rural Safety Strategy for the WCDoA. Rural safety will remain a priority for the Department and the programme will continue to support all relevant safety structures, to ensure a stable, safe agricultural environment for all stakeholders within the sector, especially rural and agri-worker communities and producers.

MARKET ACCESS

1.Outcomes

2. Achievements

1. The first goal for market access was to increase exports by at least 5% over the next five years from R63 billion in 2018 to R71.6 billion in 2024. Since 2018, agriculture and agri-processing exports increased from R63 billion to R104 billion in 2023.

• Digitisation and modernisation of Veterinary Export Certification Administration Support System;

• Implemented Export Certification Office System (ECOS) - a system warmly embraced by producers dealing with livestock producers. Veterinary Services managed to facilitate exports of goods to the value in excess of R1 billion;

• Investment of R22 million was made towards renovations and modernising the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (PVL) facilities. Facilities is on par with prescribed world standards, thus enabling recognition of lab results and acceptance of goods as meeting required standards;

• Extensive surveillance conducted throughout the Province to ascertain the state of diseases situation. Unprecedented concurrently occurring outbreaks were reported (Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever) in various locations throughout the Province. These disease occurrences were successfully contained, thus preventing disruptions in trade;

• Secured permanent location for Veterinary Export Certification Office (VECO) in Cape Town. This service centre improves service to clients.

• The Africa Strategy for the agricultural sector in the Western Cape was established to unlock agricultural opportunities in Africa and for the Western Cape;

• Successfully implemented the trade leg of the Western Cape Africa Agriculture Strategy through participation in markets like Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and Angola in preparation of the AfCFTA

• Since the launch of the South African Table Grape campaign in China in collaboration with SATI, SA grape exports to China from 2020 to 2022 totalled 30 905 tons

• Despite the wine market that has been struggling in China for the past few years, South Africa has managed to grow and capture the market share. Wine imports grew in both volumes and value i.e. 29.86% and 29.21% respectively. South Africa has taken the second position on volumes and the first position on value out of 10 countries that China is importing from. Only two countries i.e. South Africa and New Zealand have shown this positive growth;

Table 7: Outputs for Ministerial Priority on Market Access

• Supported two globally recognised South Africa standards - SIZA and WIETA - to access new markets while maintaining market share, especially in Europe.

-> SIZA collaboration has cultivated robust relationships with retailers and buyers overseas, crucial for ensuring widespread recognition and access to over 340 global markets which have expanded by 51% since 2018.

-> WIETA is recognised by the Sustainable Wine Round Table as one of the top wine social standards globally. Currently 76% of all wine grape tonnage in South Africa is WIETA ethically certified.

• The second goal was to enhance the agri-processing value-add in the province from R48 billion in 2018 to R50.4 billion in 2024. Since 2018, the GVA increased at an annual average growth rate of 2% and amounted to R49 billion in 2022.

-> Launched the Agri-Processing On Wheels (APOW) initiative in 2022 to increase the capacity of agri-processing in rural Western Cape.

-> Subsequently, the Agri-Hub incubation facility together with AgriProcessing On Wheels have received the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000) accreditation which is an internationally recognised scheme for food safety.

-> Since 2020 have facilitated more than R100 million to increase the capacity of agri-processing.

3. Conclusion

At the beginning of the term of office, the Minister of Agriculture set himself goals to increase agricultural exports, from R63 billion to R71 billion. Despite this period being characterised by numerous turbulences such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, ailing infrastructure (e.g. energy and ports) among others, exports almost doubled as they increased to R104 billion in 2023. Therefore, against all odds, this denotes that the Western Cape agricultural sector continues to be a shining star. This among others, is owed to adaptability, cohesion and partnerships that exist especially between various industries in the sector and government, especially the WcDoA.

The Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) presents a lot of opportunities for the Western Cape agricultural exports. Through participation in events like Agro Food Ghana, Kenya Food events and others, it’s been observed that the West and East Africa markets have long been waiting for South Africa’s activations in these markets. The province is seeing growth into the African markets, especially on products like wine which is a good indicator for return on investment.

The positive perception in these markets about South African products is indicative that the Western Cape is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities created by AfCFA and hence the Western Cape Africa Agriculture

Strategy was developed. Increased capacity of agri-processing is to enable businesses to gain access to new markets while also ensuring diversity in our export basket. Through APOW activities, enterprises have diversified and new enterprises have been established, improving gross farm incomes while also creating jobs.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Develop and implement the Management Improvement Plan (MIP) from the 2020 SmartAgri evaluation

Commission Master’s degree study on communication aspects of SmartAgri plan and communication on climate change in general in the sector

Appoint climate change and risk scientist to manage the SmartAgri plan implementation internally (departmental) and externally (sector)

Completed in January 2021

The thesis titled “Building Western Cape farmers’ resilience and adaptation to climate change. Assessing the impact of information: The usefulness of Credibility, Salience and Legitimacy in linking information to action” was approved and the student Ms B Siziba graduated at UCT during March 2023.

Prof Stephanie Midgley was appointed as Climate Change and Risk Assessment Scientists on January 2021. In 2023, she was appointed in the new post of Specialist Scientist Climate Change.

2. Achievements

• Contributed to the sustainability and development of agriculture by rehabilitating 142 708 hectares of agricultural land with 2 990 hectares of cultivated land under Conservation Agriculture Practices.

• Created 5 794 green jobs in rural areas.

• Rendered 5 195 technical services (LandCare) to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance resilience.

• Developed 230 farm management plans to ensure compliance to CARA legislation in terms of sustainable land use and management principles.

• The SmartAgri plan evaluation was concluded in 2020/2021 with seven key recommendations. One of the recommendations from the evaluation was the updating of the climatic data, models and projections in the plan, which was concluded in 2022 and disseminated to stakeholders.

• “Die Kwik Styg” radio series was concluded in 2020/2021 after 104 programmes and received the Gold Award in the Ecologic 2020 Awards in the category Climate Change. A series of climate change booklets emanating from the radio series were transcribed and translated into Afrikaans, English and Xhosa.

• A very successful first ever Youth and Young Researchers in Agriculture Climate Change Summit was presented to 110 delegates during July 2022, followed by the second summit in Oudtshoorn during August 2023.

• The MoU between the Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and the University of Stellenbosch School for Climate Studies was signed during November 2023.

• The formal signing of the Statement of Commitment of the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnerships was concluded at COP28 in Dubai. Partnership members from Mediterranean regions (14 in total, including the Western Cape) committed to accelerating delivery of climate solutions through information exchanges and knowledge sharing, elevating awareness through a common voice, aligning and implementing policies and solutions to build resilience and tackle the climate crisis, producing an outcomesbased roadmap and create an ongoing programme of meetings and exchange, taking advantage of the most relevant international interactions, and driving and reporting on measurable outcomes.

• Establishment of an interministerial committee on Climate Change. Climate Change is a standing item in the cabinet agenda and is part of the governance framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

• SA is the 50 th driest country in the world and climate change is impacting on all aspects of life! Agriculture is also affected by climate change. Last year in 2023 we have experienced four floods. Other parts of the Western Cape experienced droughts for more than seven years.

• Farmers and agri-workers have faced the brunt of climate change.

• Minister Meyer incited a focus to elevate climate change on the Cabinet Agenda and the establishment of an interministerial committee on climate change. This was followed by a very successful Climate Change Summit and the signing of a climate change declaration. This is our pledge to drive efforts towards adaptation. More needs to be done and we will do more with out stakeholder partners, businesses and civil society.

• Climate change requires a collaborative effort and together with the Whole of Government Approach (WOGA) and Whole of Society Approach (WOSA) we are committed to play a leading role in the fight against climate change.

This Ministerial priority has focused attention on the importance of an increase in agricultural production with climate smart production practices and promoting healthy ecosystem functioning through strategically focused ecological infrastructure investment. The Department has confirmed its role and impact as a preferred partner in seeking solutions to climate change challenges in the agricultural sector - at all levels.

3. Conclusion Climate Change pledge

A journey in agriculture...

Five fruitful years for the agricultural sector.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Minister

with WCDoA officials and Mark Agterdenbosch who received certificate of appreciation for his support in promoting Western Cape agricultural trade and exports to the Netherlands and the EU on 18 March 2024.

Minister Ivan Meyer with the HOD, DDGs and officials from Agri Western Cape on 17 August 2023.

Estelle du Plessis, Minister Meyer and Hannelie Louw President and vice President VLV Cape.

Ivan Meyer

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Minister Meyer always enjoys engaging with his stakeholders and believes in the power of communication.

Minister had a regular insert in every edition of the WCDoA quarterly AgriProbe.

As a means of communicating to the rural communities, Minister Meyer regularly appeared on radio.

The Abundant Harvest COVID-19: Warrior of Hope aimed to highlight and recognise the hardworking and dedicated citizens of the sector, something Minister was proud to celebrate and acknowledge.

WCDoA scoops multiple awards

What’s eating up the Breede River?

Minister Ivan Meyer

#ForTheLoveOfAgriculture

“I don’t want Western Cape to succeed, I want South Africa to succeed” - Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture

Cape

Visit to VLV Somerset East - 7 March 2023

Official visit to Welkom, Free State

Minister meeting with the Citrus farmers in the Eastern Cape on 7 March 2023

Somerset East Eastern Cape

Visit to VLV Somerset East on 7 March 2023

Minister at Nampo Bothaville Free State - 15 – 21 May 2023

YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE

Minister Meyer handing over a cheque to the students from Soneike High School for their agricultural visit to Germany - 14 April 2023

Students from Elsenburg Agricultural Training College as well as the student Representative Council - 21 April and 13 September 2022

Minister Meyer and Mayor Sakkie at the cycle tour in the Overberg region. Handing over bicycles to schools - 2 May 2023

Cape

NAMPO Cape 14-16 September 2022

Minister Meyer visiting Curro School in Delft, 3 November 2022

Minister Meyer handing over the winning prize to Miché Swart of Bredasdorp during the Youth Agri-Expo in 2022

Minister Meyer handing over a prize to a agri youth category winner at Agri-Expo Livestock - October 2019

Agri technolgy learner hands over braai stand to Tannie Poppie, thereby enabling LED in Laingsburg

YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE

Minister Ivan Meyer celebrating International Milk Day with learners from JJ Rhode Primary School, Vaaldraai, Elsenburg

Minister Meyer engaging kids on International Rabies Day

Meetings with Diplomatic Corps in Pretoria

The purpose is to:

1. Introduce the WCDoA

2. Promote trade between the WC and other countries

3. Introduce growth sectors

4. Nampo Cape 15-17 October 2023

5. Made in the Cape event

6. Welcome incoming delegations to the WCDoA

Special requests

1. Economic diplomacy

2. Foreign Technical Assistance: Agricultural Sector (FTA)

3. Energy on farms

4. Twinning and exchange programmes with agri-colleges / agri-schools

5. Storage and handling of agri-products (training)

ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND THE PROMOTION OF STATE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

China table grape marketing at Elsenburg, 23 April 2021

Minister Meyer visiting the Bavarian Home in Delft, 30 April 2021

Meeting Mark Agterdenbosch (SANEC), 1 February 2023

MANAGING COVID-19 IN THE CAPE WINELANDS

Minister Meyer with the Executive Mayor of Cape Winelands District Municipality, Dr Elna van Schlicht

Cape Winelands Hotspot Strategy - Transversal Activities

1. Mobilisation of multi-sectoral role-players

2. Messaging

3. Practical implementation strategies

4. Targeted data management

5. Effective co-ordination Interventions in Witzenberg

1. Household Food Production Programme.

2. Mounting of posters to promote wellness.

3. Sanitising of taxi ranks.

4. Radio interviews with a person:

• Who recovered from COVID-19.

• Who has tested positive and are in isolation.

5. Handing out pamphlets on COVID-19 awareness.

Agriculture’s intervention in Witzenberg

1. Engaged with the sector (with support of DoHW) to develop guidelines and protocol for screening and testing on farms

2. Assisted the sector with the development of protocol for the transportation of agri-workers.

MANAGING COVID-19 IN THE CAPE WINELANDS

3. Developed a list of FAQs and update regularly as regulations change.

4. Provided over 35 000 face masks to agri-workers in Witzenberg in partnership with Agric WC and AFASA.

5. Partnered with Distell that provided 500 litres of hand sanitisers, 150 litres of which were for Witzenberg

6. Held weekly virtual meetings with stakeholders to check in on the issues within the sector.

7. Ensured all agricultural stakeholders were kept informed of new developments.

8. Utilised already established network of communicators within the sector to channel and enhance awareness of COVID-19.

9. Deepened awareness through simplified communication material - use of infographics for agri-workers.

10. Planned engagement with sector partners.

Interventions with faith-based leaders in Cape Winelands.

Regular interactions with the Western Cape Faith Based Organisations (FBO) and religious leaders about COVID-19 government interventions and various communication messages to fight the pandemic.

Minister Meyer and the DG: Western Cape Government with the FBO at CTICC where they had a tour of the hospital facilities. Each leader prayed and blessed the Hospital of Hope.

STANDING FIRM ON PRINCIPLES: AGRICULTURE

The Western Cape Government believes an attack on a farmer or agr-worker is an attack on our economy. We will therefore oppose bail for those accused of an attack on a farmer or Agri worker.

The Western Cape believes in a needs based approach to support to our farmers and not a raced based approach.

• Rural Safety: In Court 3 – 4 August 2022

• Water (race) regulations - opposed this Draft Regulation

• Rejected irrational COVID-19 ban on wine sales

• Race-based employment

• Rejected the eviction of farmer, Ivan Cloete

INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURE

Drone Technology in Agriculture

Ensure that drone operators are legal

• 1st Group (13): Students, interns and officials (25 November 2020)

• 2nd Group (18): Officials (5 May 2021)

• 3rd Group: Clients (March 2022)

• 4th group – April 2023 – teachers from agricultural schools in the Western Cape

The Department as a legal operator

• Applied to the CAA for a Remote Pilot’s Operator Certificate (ROC)

Stimulate drone use in the Department

• Established a drone user’s group.

• Currently operating eight drones in various roles

Support adoption of drones in the sector

Drone Users Conference (with UNDP and EWT)

• 19-20 November 2019

• 29 November-1 December 2021

INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURE

Fruitlook technology

FruitLook is a web-based portal providing satellite-based data every week throughout the year to help producers make more informed decisions regarding their water management. FruitLook data can be used on all crops for both rain fed and irrigated fields. Since FruitLook has been active since 2010, historical data for fields is available.

Cape Farm Mapper

Cape Farm Mapper is a web mapping application, which is a combination of open source and proprietary software and can assist with decision-making.

INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURE

Agri-Processing On Wheels – taking services to our clients.

Agri-processing is an important sub-sector with the potential to spur economic growth and create jobs, especially in rural areas – taking our services to the people to ensure a vibrant rural economy.

AGRI-WORKER DEVELOPMENT

• Western Cape Prestige Agri-Awards (WCPAA)

• Fruit Logistica - Germany

• Training Courses

• Agri’s Got Talent - Hortgro

MANAGING RISKS AND DISASTERS 2019-2024

Risks and disasters

Many of the disasters in agriculture is a result of climate change CLIMATE CHANGE

The above photos demonstrate Minister Meyer’s direct involvement in:

• Fodder voucher handovers during the seven year drought, ending in 2022.

• Floods in Overberg region, specifically at Riviersonderend in 2022.

• The climate change radio information drive and booklet called “Die Kwik Styg” which was handed over to agricultural stakeholders in April 2022.

• The alien clearing programme where our rivers are cleared from alien plants and replanted with indigenous trees to protect our riverbeds. These trees are cultivated at the Worcester Veld Research Farm.

MANAGING RISKS AND DISASTERS

2019-2024

SEVEN YEAR DROUGHT

CLIMATE CHANGE (INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS)

In order to protect our precious agricultural soil from being washed away during floods, the WCDoA embarked on various river protection and infrastructure projects, as can be seen above.

TANNIE POPPIE - A STORY OF HOPE

Tannie Poppie of Laingsburg became an icon of the Karoo and we love her humor, passion and laughter. She was Minister Meyer’s special guest at his budget speech of the 2023/24 budget cycle. Her legacy will continue as she is gold of the Karoo and for agriculture.

Tannie Poppie attending the WCDoA’s Budget Day, March 2023

Minister Ivan Meyer in Laingsburg at Tannie Poppie’s Roosterkoek stall

Partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture in order to address climate change and agricultural development including, agri-technology. Seen in the photo are officials visiting California from left to right Dr Dirk Troskie, Daniel Johnson, Ashia Petersen and Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture.

As part of the MOU that was signed between the WCG and the California Food and Agriculture Department, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer met with Ms Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Food and Agriculture Department (CDFA) to discuss ways in which further collaboration between the two regions focussing on agriculture and climate change.

FACIM – MAPUTO MOZAMBIQUE

Minister Meyer and DDG Jacobs at FACIM exhibition in Maputo

Young entrepreneurs from South Africa doing business in Maputo

Agricultural processing in Maputo

Diplomats from Brazil in Maputo

Minister Meyer and DDG Jacobs visiting the fresh market in Mozambique

CONCLUDING REMARKS

“Looking back to May 2019, when I was appointed as Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, I only have fond memories of the people I have met in the sector. Agriculture is vibrant in the Western Cape because I implemented the whole of society approach. I took the advice of the industry roleplayers, I joined them in the fight against an irrational national government policies and legislature.

Both farmers and agri-workers have my utmost respect because they practice a very noble profession. They do this to provide food security for citizens in South Africa and beyond. They do this 365 days a year. This is real commitment fueled by real passion and a love for agriculture, and the love of humanity.

Over the last five years, I have worked with an excellent team of professionals and officials of the WCDoA - led by Dr Mogale Sebopetsa. He is an outstanding Head of Department and many of my success stories during my term was implemented by him as the accounting officer. Without him this record of delivery would not have been possible.

He has institutionalised my five ministerial priorities and mainstreamed it in the operational programmes and projects of the Department.

This Record of Delivery is the product of vision translated into actions, implemented, measurable objectives and clear outcomes and impact.

Every six months we spent half a day to review the progress and the Head of Department provided me as the Executing Officer with a progress report with recommendations for further actions.

Success is not an accident. It is the result of relentless focus, hard work, team work, laser sharp analysis and accountability.

We have worked hard; walked the journey with the farmers and agri-workers. More needs to be done. The work will continue.”

Dr Ivan Meyer Western Cape Minister of Agriculture

Signing off, #ForTheLoveOfAgriculture

Department of Agriculture

Private Bag X1

Elsenburg, 7607

Muldersvlei Road, Elsenburg, 7607

Tel: +27 21 808 5111

E-mail: DOA.Info@westerncape.gov.za

www.westerncape.gov.za