In the continuous interaction with producers, Agri Western Cape and other role players it became evident that there is a dire need for further discussion with farmers/producers in the Western Cape to give further input to the Government.

Cobus Dowry, Minister for Agriculture in the Western Cape called a Farmer Indaba for Tuesday 5 September 2006 at Elsenburg, Stellenbosch. The event will afford between 180 and 200 commercial farmers, industries and agricultural opinion formers the opportunity to table their concerns and to discuss possible solutions for these challenges.

Some of the issues that will be discussed will be Toll Roads, effect of exchange rate, agricultural subsidies, Municipal Levies, All Pay, Housing, Health, Land Reform and the ESTA Act.

Various members of the Western Cape Cabinet, Members of the Standing Committee on Community Development, Heads of Departments and Mayors will attend the event. A full report of the deliberations will go to the various levels of Government for further action, after the Indaba.

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Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 4930
Fax: 021 483 3890
Email: avjaarsv@pgwc.gov.za