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TRADE NEWS
Emerging farmers > CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30
Ventersdorp . Julias reiterates that the farmers already in this programme have land of between 125 hectares and 600 hectares each .
AD HOC-FARMERS If farmers are not in the intensive phase , they form part of the so-called ad hoc-farmers . Julias says that this group of emerging farmers is bigger than the group of farmers in the Intensive Support Programme . These farmers generally have less than 100 hectares of land . We visit them and provide support on a continuous basis , usually en route to farmers who are in the intensive phase .
FARMERS WHO HAVE GRADUATED Farmers who have received the Certificate of Recognition are those who have moved beyond the intensive phase . They are now more independent and farm on their own , but with Senwes still on call .
WHY EMERGING FARMERS ARE SUPPORTED The short answer is because emerging farmers have a lack of experience . That is why Senwes provides comprehensive support to them .
“ All this support costs the emerging farmers nothing , Senwes incurs all the cost ,” says Julias . He adds that GFDA ( Grain Farmer
Farmvisits occur at least one a week . More if needed .
Development Association ) also supports them as they pay for soil correction and insurance .
WE NEED THEM Julias reiterates that this is a necessary process as “ We must grow the book through our development programme . We need to develop the emerging farmers because we need them from a sustainability point of view .”
For more information about this programme contact Julias Ramohlabi at 083 314 7579 or 018 464 7156 or e-mail him at julias . ramohlabi @ senwes . co . za .