Northern Cape
South Africa
Sector
Agriculture & Agri-processing
Both the Northern Cape government and the commercial farmers in the region have recognised that the long-term success of the provincial agriculture sector lies in a closer collaboration between the two entities.
Opportunities for the Northern Cape economy
- An opportunity exists to replace South and Southern Africa’s dry fig imports.
- The maintenance of fig and pomegranate orchards has lower input costs as they are less prone to disease and pests.
- Grapefruit ripening time dovetails well with fig and pomegranate production
- Guaranteed market off-take through US investment
- Food processing of other downstream product
- Potential additional income generation to the region in excess of R1 billion per annum
NCEDA’s approach towards agriculture projects
NCEDA collaborates with institutions that are ready to rejuvenate the Northern Cape agriculture sector by introducing high-value crops that will boost the economy of the province.
NCEDA agriculture projects represents an outstanding opportunity for economic development and empowerment in the Northern Cape, with a focus on revitalising land reform projects. The following three projects are being run presently:
Riemvasmaak and Onseepkans: citrus and exotic fruits
The lower Orange River area has the perfect climate for producing quality citrus and exotic fruits. The area is one of the few in southern Africa where citrus can be produced free of 'citrus black spot' and therefore products from this area will enjoy preferential access into Europe, the USA and Japan, compared to all the other citrus areas in the country.
There is a need to access land for production of pomegranates (2 000ha), figs (500ha), and grapefruit (2 000ha). The communities of Riemvasmaak and Onseepkans were identified for this venture.
Lower Majeakgoro Community Project: deciduous fruits
The farm is situated to the North of Hartswater, and is a land restitution project bought by the Department of Land Affairs for the community of Lower Majeakgoro.
The previous farmer had been successfully producing deciduous fruits (apricots, peaches and plums) and pecan nuts of export quality for a number of years. The farm is already accredited for export, and has 63 ha of land with water rights.
Women in agriculture and rural development (WARD): pecan nuts
South Africa produces 1% of the world’s pecan nuts. The harvest for South Africa is ready for the USA gift pack season. Vaalharts area in particular is suitable for pecan nuts; only 4 001ha is harvested in Vaalharts. WARD has proposed land that consists of 83ha at the Vaalharts area, and NCEDA is to facilitate the acquisition of that land.
For more information contact the Northern Cape Economic Development Agency:
Contact: Mary Thloaele, CEO
Tel: +27 53 833 1503
Email: maryt@ncapeeda.co.za
