28 June 2005

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

US Consulate General, Johannesburg

U.S. Ambassador Visits North West Province’s

Farm Benefits from USAID-Funded Agribusiness Linkage Program  

Mrs. Ratshikana was the North West Province "Female Farmer of the Year" in 2004.  Her farm receives support through USAID's Promoting Agribusiness Linkages (PAL) program, which helps link previously disadvantaged farmers with markets. 

During her visit to the farm, Ambassador Frazer noted that “United States support for South Africa comes from the highest level.  President Bush is deeply committed to Africa.  During his visit to South Africa two years ago, he talked about ‘the power of freedom to lift whole nations and bring new opportunities to millions.’  I think he would agree that this farm is one that clearly demonstrates how people are empowered when given opportunities.”

Also at the farm visit were several graduates from the Dew Crisp Farm training project.  PAL identified and contracted with the highly successful Dew Crisp Farm company to provide specialized training to 18 selected members of NWP vegetable producers associations.  These farmers have since undergone intensive, practical training in horticultural production and supervision, as well as agribusiness management.  Many have already begun to put into practice the skills they have received.  PAL NWP staff continue to assist with market linkages, facilitating contacts with ShopRite Checkers, Fruit and Veg City and other local market outlets.

Background:

Promoting Agribusiness Linkages (PAL) is a program of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in South Africa, operating in seven of South Africa’s nine provinces.  The program promotes viable commercial business linkages between market demand and market supply.  Nationally and for the life of the program, PAL is budgeted for $7.2 million (approximately R43 million at current exchange rates). 

In North West Province (NWP), the provincial government provided $500,000 (about R 3 m) in additional support to the PAL program, specifically in the areas of:

Mrs. Anna Selebaleng Ratshikana, owner of "SR Vegetable Produce and Processing", is one of the farmers in North West Province that PAL is assisting. She was North West Province’s Female Farmer of the Year in 2004 and is a dynamic example of how well historically disadvantaged farmers can benefit from assistance in building and strengthening market links.  "SR Vegetable", which Mrs. Ratshikana started in 2003, is a vegetable production operation situated on a farm of about 300 hectares in Blaauwbank, near Mafikeng. The farm comprises 140 ha of arable land, 160 ha of grazing land, and 6 ha used for intensive vegetable production. 

Mrs. Ratshikana started with a self-made net structure.  She won the NW Female Farmer of the Year while producing vegetables under this net structure using four full time employees and eight seasonal employees. PAL first began working with Mrs. Ratshikana in November 2004, when they linked her with the local Fruit and Veg City in Mafikeng as a first step. Next, PAL assisted her to apply for finance through the NW Province Dept. of Agriculture.  Mrs. Ratshikana used those funds to put up new, commercial grade tunnels for improved and increased vegetable production in February/March 2005. The first crop (tomatoes) under tunnels will be ready in July 2005.   

For inquiries, contact:  Mary Jeffers (084) 950-0854 or (011) 838-2231 x101 /  or Tebogo Sepeng (084) 950-0859 or (011) 838-2231