KNYSNA NEWS - Five top organisations and government institutions saw 65 farmers from Knysna and surrounds attend a joint farmers' day programme, highlighting opportunities available to them.
Information ranging from finance, credit facilities, animal health, to taking care of livestock, were brought to the doorstep of upcoming Knysna farmers at the Khayalethu Community Hall in Knysna on Wednesday 19 February.
SSK (Sentraal-Suid Co-Operative), with its head office in Swellendam, hosted the informative farmers' day.
Collaboration
SSK collaborated with the Knysna municipality, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Services, MSD Animal Health, and SEDFA (Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency) to make the day a success.
In a statement SSK said the main purpose of the day was to bring upcoming farmers of the greater Knysna area together and to showcase on their doorstep the services and opportunities each roleplayer and sector have to offer.
'Benefit from services'
"The day was successfully attended with 65 farmers joining in on the day. Many of the farmers who are already established and forming part of an organised farming committee, were excited to hear what they could learn from this opportunity and also how they could benefit from the services provided," said the statement.
"Service providers delivered helpful and practical advice regarding financing, credit facilities, animal health as well as taking care of livestock.
"SSK representatives spoke about credit facilities and the opportunities and benefits which come with membership of the organisation.
'Credit offering'
"With a minimum of a R4 000 credit option per farmer, farmers become SSK members, giving each member a vote. The credit offering can be paid back as a once-off payment or through structured repayment plans.
"It offers farmers access to a wide variety of services as well as products."
Economic growth
The National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development was represented at district level and indicated its aim was to support economic growth in collaboration with public and private partners.
The department shared information on its mandate relating to land redistribution, enterprise and youth development.
Vaccination demonstration
MSD Animal Health educated the farmers on animal health and ended the day with a practical demonstration of vaccinating farm animals.
Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Services also joined in and spoke about the well-being of, and taking care of, livestock and specifically highlighted taking extra measures when it comes to animal and human interaction - and the spreading of diseases.
SEDFA provided information on how local famers could gain and benefit from funding opportunities.
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