Question NW2929 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

PROVINCE/ AGRIPARK

ECONOMIC RETURNS AND BENEFITS

EASTERN CAPE

Butterworth Agri-hub (Mnquma)

• Mnquma Abattoir being implemented by Eastern Cape Development Corporation. Scheduled for completion by May 2025.

• Livestock improvement in Amathole District.

• Market access for their livestock.

• Skills development.

• Economic upliftment to the Amathole District.

• Approximately 200 cooperatives will benefit and 15 permanent jobs will be created.

Zanyokwe FPSU

• Zanyokwe FPSU has created 28 temporary jobs.

• The repairs, refurbishments and additions to Zanyokwe FPSU reached practical completion on 29 August 2023.

• Corporate Enterprise Development (CED): facilitated the appointment of 1 administrationistrative person, 3 tractor drivers for a period of 3 years.

• Vegetable Farmers have been assisted with market access to several Boxer Retailers to supply cabbage and spinach, etc

• CED is also facilitating relations with other retailers such as SPAR. where farmers can also supply.

FREE STATE

Thaba-Nchu Agri-Hub

• Construction of abattoir project under implementation and the progress is sitting at 97% and the holding pens project completed.

• 28 temporary job opportunities created.

• The FPSU Abattoir is where livestock will be received directly from farmers within the Thaba-Nchu area and neighbouring towns. Slaughtering and processing of the meat will be done at this Abattoir and graded before sent to larger Market.

• Market access will contribute to job creation.

Springfontein Agri Hub

• Construction of mechanization centre and boundary fence completed.

• 21 temporary job opportunities created.

• The Agri-Hub is meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from FPSU packhouses before sending them to the larger Market. That’s a value adding process to the Market.

• Farmers and community will benefit from Market access and job creation.

Kroonstad FPSU

• Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources.

• The farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs.

• The construction of mechanization centre, bulk services, boundary fence and guard house completed.

• The FPSU has created 15 temporary jobs.

• The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.

• Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).

Ondedaalsrus FPSU

• Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources.

• The farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs.

• The construction of mechanization centre, bulk services, boundary fence and guard house completed.

• The FPSU has created 15 jobs.

• The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers and sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.

Ficksburg FPSU

• Construction of mechanization centre, boundary fence and guard house completed.

• The FPSU has created 21 temporary jobs.

• The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.

• Farmers will benefit from Market and create jobs for the community.

Makholokoeng FPSU

• Construction of Pack house and mechanization centre, boundary fence, guard house, control room and weigh bridge completed.

• Secondary cooperative registered.

• The FPSU has created 10 jobs.

• The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.

• Opportunity for local job creation.

Zastron FPSU

• Mechanization in place and business operating for farmers and affiliated cooperatives.

• Secondary cooperative registered.

• The FPSU has created 10 jobs.

• The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.

GAUTENG

Tarlton FPSU

• 150ha and 27 farmers supported.

• The Secondary cooperative is in the process of being registered.

• This FPSU has created 48 temporary jobs.

• Mobile Offices, Boardroom, Cold Rooms, Packaging house and production tunnels have been constructed.

• Farmers have access to cold rooms, packaging facilities and add value on their produce.

• 3 entities benefited through leasing of the infrastructure at the FPSU sites. Their production is viable, and they are sustaining the project.

• Government officials and farmers now meet at the FPSU as there is a venue and facilities for meetings. Farmers can easily access Government programmes. Also used as distribution centres for production inputs to other local farmers.

Carmel Estate FPSU

• The Secondary cooperative is in the process of being registered.

• This FPSU created 25 temporary jobs.

• 20 Production Tunnels have been completed. Beneficiaries selection and recruitment is in the process and will be finalised in 30 September 2023.

• Local farmers will have access to tunnels and primary production. Locals will have access to food as there will be production this summer.

Bekkersdal FPSU

• Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources.

• The farmers are allocated mechanization, shade net, production tunnels and production inputs. The Farmers are producing on the shade nets, and production tunnels. There is an existing administrationistration office with offices and boardroom.

• The farmers are taking ownership of daily operations within FPSU.

• The farmers are allocated a truck, bakkie and crates to assist them with harvesting and transporting of produce to the market. Farmers access land for production. Training facilities: Local farmers conduct their meetings at the facilities. Access to research trial onsite.

• The FPSU also acts as a distributing centre for production inputs for farmers with 30km radius.

• This FPSU created 23 temporary jobs.

• The Department is in the process of completing a warehouse that will assist the farmers with storage.

Eikenhof FPSU

• This FPSU created 35 temporary jobs.

• Production tunnels were completed whereby farmers are producing vegetables.

• 30ha and 10 cooperatives supported.

• The farm facilities also benefit 35 cooperatives residing within 30km radius. The Cooperatives benefit through access to mechanisation, access to training facilities, access to poultry abattoirs and access to government information as there is permanent officials onsite.

Sokhulumi FPSU

• This FPSU created 6 temporary jobs.

• NPC is registered to manage allocated resources.

• The farmers are allocated mechanization, shade net, tunnels and production inputs.

• The FPSU shed has been revamped, is used to store Mechanisation and Implements.

• Currently 51 farmers affiliated to be members of the FPSU, planting on more than 7400 hectares of land.

KWAZULU-NATAL

Hlathikhulu FPSU

• 15 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Makhathini FPSU (Oil Seed Storage)

• 10 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• Storage facility allows for the seed to be stored under shelter before being sold, increasing the selling price.

Noordsbereg FPSU

• 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Qwabe FPSU

• 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Jozini FPSU

• 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Felixton FPSU

• 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Fezela FPSU

• 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Matikulu FPSU

• 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Bernsdorp FPSU

• 7 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• The feedlot facility, after construction, will act as a value adding facility and guaranteed market for livestock farmers to get higher process for their animals.

KwaShinga FPSU

• Contractor not yet appointed.

• The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Mkhuze Rail Logistic Hub

• 25 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Nsuze FPSU

• 9 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Tugela Ferry FPSU

• 50 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Jiki Jela FPSU

• 25 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

St Paul FPSU

• 10 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Clanso FPSU

• 12 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Amanzabomvu FPSU

• 39 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Hopewell FPSU

• 05 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Hlabisa FPSU

• 10 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Pomeroy FPSU

• 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

• The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Makhathini Cotton Ginnery

• Currently Professional Service Provider is busy with the designs.

• Once completed the Ginnery will be able to gin 15000 tons of cotton as compared to the current 6000 tons. This will allow for the expansion of the planting area from the current 2000 ha dry land to about 8000 ha, supporting an additional 800 beneficiaries.

LIMPOPO

Witpoort FPSU

• The investment towards infrastructure development of this FPSU resulted in the creation of 61 temporary jobs.

• The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the auction facility, crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre.

• The facility is complemented by the local extension services office which is within the same premises.

Vleeschboom FPSU

• The FPSU has a registered Secondary Co-operative with 10 members of Board of Directors.

• This FPSU employed 6 contract workers (security officials) and 90 temporary jobs were created during the construction of infrastructures.

• The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through FPSU to various mills to be contracted with secondary cooperative.

• Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre.

• The centre has a storage for both inputs and chemicals, this will assist the farmers to access their daily inputs as and when they need them.

• The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services. Currently the facility is being used as a dispatching and receiving area for inputs and chemicals

Masalal FPSU

• FPSU provided support to farmers with mechanisation services and production inputs.

• This FPSU also employed 6 contract workers (security officials) and 45 temporary jobs were created.

• The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the FPSU to various fresh produce markets.

• The FPSU will be capacitated with washing, sorting and packaging machinery to support farmers. Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre.

• The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services. The facility is currently being used as a receiving and dispatching area for inputs and chemicals.

Sekhukhune Agri-hub

• Construction of this Agri-hub created 20 temporary jobs.

• The facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the FPSU to various fresh produce markets.

• The FPSU will be capacitated with washing, sorting and packaging machinery to support farmers. Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre.

• The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services.

MPUMALANGA

Mkhuhlu Agri-hub

• A service provider is appointed by Provincial Agriculture to operate the Hub.

• This FPSU has created 45 temporary jobs.

• The Agri-Hub is meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from FPSU packhouses before sending them to the Market. Farmers will benefit from Market access.

Thulamahashe FPSU

• Primary co-operatives are producing on farms and selling directly to the market.

• This FPSU created 40 temporary jobs.

• The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure)

Huntington FPSU

• Secondary co-operative engaging Mathumi Fresh Produce Market for a potential strategic partnership.

• There is currently a proposal of having strategic partners to provide mentorship and address the issue of markets, and to ensure the packhouse is utilised for the intended purpose of packaging.

• Primary co-operatives are producing in their farms and selling directly to the market.

• This FPSU has created 30 temporary jobs.

• The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).

Mzinti FPSU

• The packhouse is in the process of GAP certification.

• This FPSU has created 10 temporary jobs.

• The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).

Dundonald FPSU

• Secondary co-op has been established with 10 primary co-ops affiliated.

• Farmers are active on the ground.

• The grain mill is part of Agro-processing infrastructure which will provide storage and processing of grains of the farmers before the Market. It will enable farmers to access the market.

Sydbrandskraal FPSU

• Iphakeme Secondary coop established.

• Grain Production and Vegetables access mechanisation from FPSU.

• This FPSU has created 20 temporary jobs.

• The grain mill is part of Agro-processing infrastructure which will provide storage and processing of grains of the farmers before the Market. It will enable farmers to access the market.

Kameelrevier FPSU Hydroponics

• There are about 10 young people producing vegetables in the tunnels under the support of provincial Agriculture.

• This FPSU has created 19 temporary jobs.

• The young farmers at this project produce vegetables in the tunnels built and primary handling in the mini packhouse with cold room before sending them to the Market.

Malelane-Nkomati FPSU

• Farmers are producing sugarcane and SAFDA assist with markets.

• This FPSU created 45 temporary jobs.

• The small holder Sugar Cane farmers will improve their yield per hector and sucrose quality through improved drip irrigation infrastructure and FPSU centre where irrigation maintenance team comprised of young people from NARYSEC will be housed, farmers training and mechanisation centre and fuel depo meant for supporting the farmers production. The farmers goal is to have their sugar mill which will produce renewable energy to lower their production cost.

 NORTH WEST

Makweleng FPSU

• The Makweleng FPSU has created 32 temporary jobs.

• Benefit to farmers: Farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through Auctions.

• Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers can easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins.

Jericho FPSU

• The Jericho FPSU has created 23 temporary jobs.

• Benefit to farmers: Boost the input and production aspects of the commodity value chain (red meat).

• Value adding to farmers: The feedlot will improve the intensive production system of growing and or fattening cattle until they reach required slaughter weight and thus improve profit margins.

Bedwang FPSU

• The Bedwang FPSU has created 19 temporary jobs.

• Benefit to farmers: The auction facility will ensure that farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through Auctions.

• Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers can easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins.

Taung FPSU

• The Taung FPSU has created 20 temporary jobs.

• Benefit to farmers: Boost the input and production aspects of the commodity value chain (red meat and crop) and ensure that farmers are continuously planting and selling their produce and livestock monthly through auctions.

• Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers will easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins. It will also bring under-utilized land (especially in Communal Areas and land reform farms) into full production and expand irrigated agriculture.

Springbokpan Agri-hubs

• The FPSU created 79 temporary jobs.

• Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve grain production.

• Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain.

Makapanstad Agri-hub

• The FPSU created 16 temporary jobs.

• Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve production.

• Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain in mixed farming.

Vryburg Agri-hub

• The FPSU has created 14 temporary jobs.

• Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve production and access to market.

• Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain in red meat production.

Matlosana Agri-hub

• The FPSU has created 13 temporary jobs.

• Benefit to farmers: Sustainable livelihoods.

• Value adding to farmers: Increased commercial output of livestock production, processing for local markets and providing market information in the project area while paving the way to complete the value chain.

NORTHERN CAPE

Heuningvlei FPSU

• 600 farmers organised into 57 Primary Cooperatives with a Secondary Cooperative as a governing structure.

• Cooperatives supported with logistics, equipment, mobile and permanent infrastructure and production inputs.
  The Heuningvlei FPSU consists of security fencing, borehole, auction facilities, staff housing, administration block, boardroom facility and storage shed.

• The new boardroom was constructed for meetings and training of farmers. The farmers will also have access to ICT facilities which will be installed soon.
  The storage shed will be used to store implements, equipment, and inputs for the farmers in the area.

• The auction facility has been renovated for the farmers to sell their cattle at competitive prices.

• The staff houses and administration block were renovated for use by technical staff who will provide extension and technical support to farmers.

• 6 temporary jobs have been created.

Eksteenskuil FPSU

• 8 temporary jobs have been created.

• The administration portion of the FPSU which is situated at the Eiland Research station has been renovated.

• The staff houses and administration block were renovated for use by technical staff who will provide extension and technical support to farmers.

WESTERN CAPE

Haarlem FPSU

• 71 small scale farmers supported including women and youth. Anhalt farm currently employs 25 permanent workers and up to 149 seasonal workers.

• 10 Primary Cooperatives registered under the Haarlem FPSU. There are nine (9) vegetable primary cooperatives and one for youth who are former NARYSEC participants.

• Currently, the department is facilitating the process of registering the 10 primary cooperatives into a secondary cooperative that will manage the Haarlem FPSU.

• 13 temporary job opportunities were created during the construction of the mechanization centre.

• With the investment (construction of a mechanization centre, production inputs and machinery) from government these farmers can access services such as storage and primary processing and packaging of their produce which would have been otherwise costly. Having a mechanization centre close to where they harvest from enables the farmers to save on transport cost. Machinery and equipment that were traditionally leased from the commercial market is accessible and available at a cost-effective lease rate (amount).

• The farmers can take their own produce to the mechanisation centre without the involvement of a middle-man.

• Feeder projects such as Anhalt Farming are able to increase their capacity to export their produce because they make use of the services at the Haarlem FPSU and can get materials such as the crates used for fruit export from the Haarlem Youth project operating from the Haarlem FPSU.

• Farmers have access to and are given training on how to run the FPSU (e.g. governance training, financial and business management training). Ability to have a greater market access.

Benefits and Future Plans:

• The Haarlem FPSU plans to employ support staff such an administration, security, tractor drivers, truck drivers as well as mechanics for service and repairs.

• The Haarlem FPSU plans to have temporary job opportunities to support the vegetable farmers during planting and harvesting seasons.

• The Haarlem NARYSEC youth plans to employ additional youth as temporary workers during the harvesting season and in assisting them to increase production.

Ebenhaeser FPSU

• The management of the assets of the FPSU is the responsibility of the Eben-Agric (PTY) LTD which was registered with CIPC during 2021 and consists of Ebenhaeser beneficiaries. Also providing input to the management of the FPSU are 5 Primary Co-operatives and 1 secondary Co-operative, which includes:

• FPSU Ebenhaeser Secondary Cooperative

• Ebenhaeser Lucerne Farmers Primary Cooperative

• Grapes of Ebenhaeser Primary Cooperative

• Eben Fruit and Vegetables Primary Cooperative

• Ebenhaeser Livestock Primary Cooperative

• The farmers received their production inputs support from the Land Claims Commission.

• The Bulk Irrigation System (revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser irrigation system) completed in 2021 provides water to 153 emerging farmers. This includes a reservoir (with capacity of 35 000 m3). A gravity pipe line system from the reservoir delivers water to each of the 153 plots through 53 water clusters (distribution points).

• The construction of the reservoir and bulk irrigation system created 29 temporary jobs in the local community.

• To date the revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser irrigation system has resulted in increased agricultural activity for 153 farmers. In addition to the 76 lucerne farmers, the following results have already been realised:
  * 12 wine grape farmers (13 ha);

* 1 raisin grape farmer (1 ha);

* 4 hybrid seed farmers (1 ha);

* 4 processing tomato farmers (4 ha); and

* 62 permanent jobs and 200 seasonal jobs have been created during harvesting periods.

• The famers supply their produce to well established market players like Tiger Brands and Up-To-Date fruit and vegetable store.

Saron FPSU

• The Department registered 10 primary cooperatives and formulated the Saron secondary cooperative.

• Saron has been identified as one of the FPSUs in the Cape Winelands for the following reasons:
  • It is close in proximity to emerging farmers and the Agri-hub in Ceres; and

• The proximity to production of main and support commodities.

• The FPSU site is on municipal land and will be re-developed and used as a mechanisation centre, packing facility and storage.

• The FPSU has a catchment area of Saron, Tulbagh (37km), Gouda (18km), Porterville (19km) and Riebeek west (87km) to support stock farmers (cattle, sheep and goats) vegetable and grain farmers. The Agri-hub in Ceres will support the feeder FPSUs from Saron.

• The project will improve farming operations in this catchment area by the provision of much needed infrastructure to boost production and feed the Agri-hub in Ceres. The Agri-hub in Ceres will support the feeder FPSUs from Saron.

• During construction phase of the mechanization centre (Saron FPSU), training in labour-based construction will assist local and emerging contractors and it is estimated that 10-15 local residents will benefit from job creation.

Suurbraak FPSU

• 20 small scale farmers have been supported.

• The Department registered 5 primary cooperatives in the Suurbraak FPSU.

• The identified Agri-hub is in Bredasdorp about 110km from the FPSU. The development of the infrastructure is to boost the production of emerging farmers.

• The Agri-hub will receive Lucerne, vegetables and livestock from the FPSU.

• The planned mechanization centre (Suurbraak FPSU) will include a small produce handling facility; a packing and cooling facility; storage facility; local market and administration facility.

• The site is in close proximity to small scale and emerging farmers and to the production of main and support commodities.

• During construction phase of the mechanisation, training in labour- based construction will assist local and emerging contractors and it is estimated that 10-15 local residents will benefit from job creation.