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Start a Business in Agriculture
Africa and South Africa needs a new strategy to explore both internal and export trade opportunities to stimulate rapid development of the rural economy. Agri-entrepreneurs must plan beyond simply providing for the minimum food needs of an expanding population; instead, they must approach agriculture as a business and do everything possible to maximize productivity, incomes and employment within this sector. Rising farm incomes will generate tremendous demand for consumer goods, equipment, processing and distribution industries stimulating rapid growth in industry and rising job opportunities in both the rural and urban sectors. Commercial Agriculture should be developed as an engine for rural development. See article on ECDC opportunities, below.
Africa and South Africa needs more rural entrepreneurs, including agricultural graduates, seasoned farm managers and farmers who wish to convert from commercial to organic farming; as well as emerging farmers who should undergo agri-business and farming training in modern farming methods though Entrepreneurial Farm Schools. Farm schools cum demonstration centers should be established within easy access to urban settlements. The entrepreneur instructor should run three to 12 month courses in soil preparation, and crop planting and harvesting on land to generate net profits for the community. A rural family should grow a combination of cash crops such as sugar, cotton, fruits, and vegetables.
Fruit and vegetables accounted for 39 percent of this total, the largest portion of any food category. And judging from past growth, the future of organic foods looks bright: Since 1997, organic food sales have shown annual growth rates of around 15 to 21 percent.
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
- Fruit
- Vegetable
East
Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) welcomes your new business proposals
Funds
are available to assist entrepreneurs to start-up a new business in the
Eastern Cape. Qualifying entrepreneurs must be thoroughly committed to
making a success of their proposed business venture. The applicant must
demonstrate a fair level of expertise in the field of endeavour; however,
the ECDC's enterprise development service will help the prospective business
owner get up to speed by focusing on specific skills that are lacking
or areas of expertise that need to be enhanced. Active full-time involvement
to develop your entrepreneurial initiative is essential. In terms of the
regulations outlined by the National Credit Act, the ECDC can only consider
applicants with a clean credit record. The specific Target Sectors that
will be favoured include Agriculture, Agro-processing, Tourism, Property
Development, and Renewable Energy within the context of rural development
and Small Town Regeneration. There is also a fairly strict Assessment
Criteria that includes a thorough investigation on the Viability and Sustainability
of the proposed business concept. The entrepreneur must provide detailed
information on Management Skills, BEE Involvement, Impact of business
on the Environment, Market Availability and Support of the Project by
the relevant municipality. Applicants should submit a professional, well-researched
Business Plan or at least an initial Concept Document to the ECDC. Should
you require assistance in indentifying suitable markets, or need to acquire
relevant business skills or training, contact the ECDS's Trade Promotion
unit or the Enterprise Development Services unit respectively. Visit
the ECDC at Ocean
Terrace Park, Moore Street, Quigney, East London or phone +27(0)43 704
5600. For general information email.
Offices in Butterworth, King William's Town, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown
and Mthatha.