The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (DoA) in collaboration with GreenCape has developed a GreenAgri web-based portal. The main objective of the portal is to be a one-stop portal for all farmers, researchers, private as well as non-governmental agencies interested in smart agricultural practices, initiatives and research. The portal will also allow for industry participants to communicate interactively on all smart agricultural matters and by so doing allow greater awareness and understanding of environmentally-friendly agricultural practices and the green economy space in the Western Cape.
The portal was launched to the public on the 9th of September 2015 at Backsberg Estate Cellars by Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities. Minister Winde said many farmers were using innovation to pioneer environmentally practices. “We know that factors such as climate change pose a threat to food security globally. Through this portal, we are using technology to give farmers the information they need to farm sustainably.” Minister Winde was proud to announce that the GreenAgri portal had received the coveted 110% Green Flag award of the Premier Helen Zille. The GreenAgri Portal thus commits to support Smart Agriculture in the Western Cape by providing a two way web-based portal. The Flag was handed over to Joyene Isaacs, Head of Western Cape Department of Agriculture and Evan Rice, CEO of GreenCape.
The GreenAgri portal houses various tools which could provide support to farmers namely the dedicated Tips and Tools section which includes:
- Useful tips on smart agriculture and adoption of principle and practices,
- Online tools which are currently and freely available to assist with smart agriculture,
- Funding and incentives that is available to assist with smart agriculture,
- Events and training which users can participate and use as networking opportunities, and
- Frequently asked questions on smart agriculture.
The Your Input section will also allow users the opportunity to pose questions, raise concerns and identify research gaps concerning smart agriculture.
The portal is compatible on PC, smartphone and tablet and can be accessed at www.greenagri.org.za or via www.elsenburg.com.