SA’s footprint in international markets must grow

Mike Mlengana, director-general of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), recently spoke at a workshop of the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA). Mlengana was addressing market opportunities for South African emerging farmers in the growing European market for sustainably produced goods.

The objectives of the event include sharing information about the general concepts of Organic, Fair Trade and EU Ethical Trade policy and informing stakeholders about market opportunities for Organic, Fair Trade and Ethical Trade for the benefit of SA companies. The event also provided the participants with first-hand information on how to access this niche market with enormous potential given high growth rates and consumer interest in sustainably produced products. Promising products were also presented with valuable information on labels and certification requirements in the EU.

Mlengana reminded delegates that DAFF continues to put food security, job creation and growth of the economy at the apex of its agenda. “These priorities fall squarely into the current land transformation discussions, which I believe is in the interest of all to clarify land discussions in the context of food security, job creation and the economic growth of the country.”

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