Agriculture
Free State farmers hear of opportunities during BRICS Roadshow─── ELSABÉ RICHARD 07:00 Mon, 31 Jul 2023
The City of Roses was the host of the BRICS Roadshow on Friday (28/07), which took place in anticipation of the BRICS Summit in August.
With the theme: "Strengthening collaboration among BRICS towards sustainable agricultural productivity post-COVID-19”, the event focused on the farming sector and highlighted the opportunities available for farmers to export to BRICS countries, which are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Discussions and conversations about the challenges facing the Free State as an investment destination were also encouraged.
LEES OOK: Moontlikheid vir Suid-Afrika om mielie-uitvoer na China uit te brei
One of the key takeaways was that South African farmers have an opportunity and the potential to increase trade and exports, which will contribute positively to the country's economy.
Kwena Komape, Deputy Director-General: Economic Development, Trade and Marketing at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, said South Africa imports various agricultural products, such as meat, vegetables, fruit and other plants from the aforementioned countries, but encourages local farmers to seize the opportunity to help increase South Africa's exports.
Kwena Komape, Deputy Director-General: Economic Development, Trade and Marketing at the Department of Agriculture. Photo: Facebook.
The MEC for Agriculture in the Free State, Saki Mokoena, reiterated his department's goal to make the Free State the breadbasket of the country - producing food in abundance to feed not only the province, but also South Africans and other countries.
“From the type of crops we have, all of those crops are needed within the BRICS countries. So, it's an opportunity to export ...
“This is why we said, we are using the BRICS Summit to push and promote agricultural growth and the Free State was identified to host the roadshow in relation to the agricultural growth and development within the context of BRICS.”
Free State's MEC for Agriculture, Saki Mokoena. Photo: Facebook
BRICS
BRICS is a cooperation mechanism established by the five emerging economies to strengthen cooperation and their international influence and voice. The national agriculture department said it has "been participating in advancing the country’s and agricultural sector’s priorities and interests.
“The overall aim of BRICS Agriculture cooperation is to improve access to food and increase comprehensive food production.”
Watch part of the BRICS Roadshow 2023 here:
