West Coast Ostrich Empowerment Project
The West Coast Ostrich Empowerment Project will not only enrich the lives of the farmers involved, but it will provide a boost to the local economy and thereby enhance the lives of the local communities supported by the industry.
The objective of the proposed joint venture involves an agreement to use the available resource base at Swartland Ostriches Ltd (incl. ostrich knowledge, farming business track record, export abattoir, international marketing channels, need for greater volume), BEE co-operative partners, government support and banks, and to set up a new line of ostrich production, involving an additional slaughter capacity of 2 500 ostriches at the Swartland abattoir.
Ostrich products have proved extremely popular around the world, from the low-fat, low-cholesterol meat to the ornamental feathers and eggs. Nothing is wasted, making the farming and processing of ostriches potentially a very lucrative endeavour. For a full list of ostrich products, as well as insight into the industry in South Africa visit the Ostrich Business Chamber.
The project would focus on raising 2 500 ostriches in Year 1 with an escalation of another 3 000 in Year 5, presenting an opportunity to expand Swartland's ostrich production supply side in the West Coast region.
For more information on the Ostrich project and other related investment opportunities in the West Coast District Municipality please contact: Mr Marthinus Boois by email on mboois@wcdm.co.za or by tel: +27 22 433 8530.
Medicinal and indigenous plants
South African indigenous and medicinal plants have proved popular in international markets, as more people choose to opt for natural and organic produce in their health and lifestyle products.
Buchu cultivation
The Graafwater region in the Cederberg has been identified as ideally-suited for the cultivation of buchu. An Organic Buchu Cultivation Project has been proposed, and land has been made available, to take advantage of the ideal geographic location and the rising international demand for organically grown indigenous products from South Africa. The project requires funding of at least R300 000 to make a sustainable start.
Rooibos tea
South Africa's rooibos tea has blossomed into an internationally recognised brand, and the product is still drawing demand from several international markets.
The West Coast District Municipality is particularly well-suited to rooibos tea plantations, especially in the Cederberg region, but elsewhere in the district as well. The region is renowned tea-farming country. with established infrastructure and logistics facilities available to prospective investors.
Potential benefit
These ventures give previously subsistence farmers the chance to engage in the commercial production of high-value and high-demand niche products. The organic market is huge, both in South Africa and on an international level, and this provides these small communities with the opportunity to export their products overseas.
For more information on agriculture and related investment opportunities in the West Coast District Municipality please contact: Mr Marthinus Boois by email on mboois@wcdm.co.za or by tel: +27 22 433 8530.
West Coast District Municipality
