Minister Alan Winde Addresses Farmer and Farm Worker Dialogue Workshop

Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities yesterday addressed workers; farmers, and representatives of organised agriculture in Stellenbosch, at the first of four dialogue workshops the Western Cape Department of Agriculture will be hosting this year. Minister Winde is responsible for the Western Cape Department of Agriculture as well as the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Minister Winde said good communication can only be achieved through dialogue, and it is a critical aspect in any business wishing to compete in the modern global economy. Minister Winde said the agricultural sector has been identified as a key sector for economic growth and job creation. “The agricultural sector holds significant potential which can be unlocked through increased production efficiencies and competitiveness. These can be achieved with training and up-skilling, and a concerted focus on innovation”.

The Dialogue Workshops form part of the Western Cape Government’s 12-Point Plan in response to the rural unrest experienced in 2012 and 2013. A book with best practice case studies, illustrating existing successful agricultural business models, will also be released in the near future. The Dialogue sessions are facilitated by Dr Braam Hanekom, Dutch Reformed Church Moderator and motivational speaker. Hanekom said that all the role players in the agricultural sector should be able to share their dreams with one another. “If we cannot dream about the future, there is no hope”.