Minister van Rensburg urges stakeholders to make presentations to FARE panel

Gerrit van Rensburg, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development today reminded all stakeholders and interested parties of the Future for Agriculture and Rural Economy (FARE) process currently underway in the Western Cape.

Van Rensburg said the FARE process is an important part of the Western Cape Province’s 12-point plan for addressing the underlying problems which contributed to the violent unrest in 2012.

Van Rensburg also invited labour unions to participate. “Please tell the FARE panel how you see the future of agriculture and share your insights in how challenges should be addressed. Do not miss this opportunity to represent the needs of your members”.

The FARE panel consists of an independent group of experts under the leadership of Judge Antonie Gildenhuys and Venette Klein. Any person or organisation can make presentations to the FARE panel. The FARE process aims to understand the root causes of the unrest of 2012, and also to establish a shared vision for the Western Cape agricultural sector, taking it into the future.

Van Rensburg also reminded interested parties of the Provincial 12-point plan. He said progress reports are available on the individual actions:

1. A helpline, number 0860 142 142, dedicated for farm worker issues.
2. Investigate new housing models for farm workers.
3. Training courses for farm workers to use high-tech equipment.
4. Engagement sessions for farm workers and farmers.
5. Support for farm worker structures and development programmes.
6. Investment in sport opportunities for farm workers.
7. Youth empowerment in rural areas.
8. Ethical trade initiatives.
9. Best practice case studies.
10. A Province-wide farm worker survey.
11. A farm worker communication strategy.
12. Finance an independent research project, Future for Agricultural and Rural Economy, (FARE) to build a shared future vision for the Provincial agricultural sector.

The Western Cape Province budgeted R17 million for farm worker development projects in the 2013/14 financial year.