FSA Engages with New MEC to Address Key Agricultural Challenges

Free State Agriculture (FSA) recently met with the newly appointed MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Ms Elzabe Rockman, to discuss critical issues affecting the agricultural sector in the region. The meeting, held on Friday, July 12, covered a range of topics including farm safety, cross-border crime syndicates, disaster relief coordination, road conditions, water rights, animal health, and traceability.

Francois Wilken, President of Free State Agriculture, highlighted the significance of Ms Rockman’s prior experience with the Provincial Treasury, noting that it equips her to understand the financial challenges faced by agriculture.

During the discussion, MEC Rockman acknowledged past neglect of the commercial sector and emphasized the importance of every participant in agriculture. Dr Jack Armour, Commercial Manager of FSA, relayed the MEC’s commitment to assisting emerging farmers in advancing to commercial status, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts with FSA.

The MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs met with different agricultural organizations in the Free State. Her core starting points / projects were:

1. Development of Glen as a Center of Excellence: The MEC identified Glen farm and the Agricultural College as priority areas, aiming to elevate them into centers of excellence. A recent meeting on July 11, 2024, convened stakeholders from the agricultural association, local landowners, Community Safety officials, Roads and Transport authorities, the Mangaung Metro Mayor, and the local police station commander to address pertinent issues.
2. Enhanced Disaster Coordination: Recognizing the urgency of effective disaster management, particularly in response to recent wildfires in Clarens and Petrusburg, the MEC emphasized the need for seamless coordination across relevant government departments. She stressed the importance of timely and targeted assistance for affected farmers.

FSA thanks the MEC for quickly getting to grips with the recent fires in and around Clarens as well as the Petrusburg area, talking to the leaders and affected farmers in the area and starting the process of data collection. She mentioned that the funds are never enough to fully help everyone. FSA is therefore once again appealing to the public to assist farmers by supporting FSA’s disaster fund to help our affected farmers https://vrystaatlandbou.co.za/af/donate/

The meeting agreed that cooperation is essential to take agriculture forward in the province. Wilken concluded with the words, “the Department is going to have to address the real issues. If they do, our hands are open to work together.”