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Message from Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff to Free State Agriculture's Annual Congress 2007
10 July 2007
This congress comes at a challenging time within the agricultural sector, a time when we are working hard at bringing about equity and transformation within the sector.
Agriculture is one the foundations upon which the economy of our province is based. Hence I believe the theme for this congress 'Free State: Agriculture the vehicle for the future' is appropriate and relevant. It therefore becomes imperative that different stakeholders within this sector work cooperatively to ensure that we continue to strengthen this sector. In order for the agricultural sector to be successful, it has to have an effective knowledge base of and access to local, national and international markets. It is also important that sound agricultural economic principles are applied in all agricultural projects.
As government we are committed to ensuring an environment that is conducive to equitable access and participation in the agricultural sector. We have to promote and support emerging farmers within the sector with emphasis on economic empowerment initiatives for previously disadvantaged people.
I am indeed pleased by the work and programmes that have been undertaken by Free State Agriculture especially its involvement in assisting and mentoring emerging farmers across the province. Our challenge however, is to ensure that more people gain access to these programmes and that they benefit from them.
For us to eliminate racial discrimination in the agricultural sector and to implement initiatives that mainstream Black South Africans in all levels of agricultural activity and enterprises along the entire agricultural value chain, we have to ensure that the Agri-BEE initiative becomes a success. We therefore implore on the organised agricultural sector to partner government in this regard
I am confident that the deliberations of this congress will help us achieve the ideal of a prosperous agricultural sector founded on unity, mutual cooperation and respect.
Issued by: Department of the Premier, Free State Provincial Government
10 July 2007