Port Elizabeth and surroundings have a Mediterranean climate that enables growth of a diverse agricultural economy with more than 20 different products and crops ranging from citrus and deciduous fruits, dairy, vegetables, ostrich products, poultry, wool and mohair, among others. The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, as part of its Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP), has identified agriculture as an economic growth sector with a large-scale investment potential which could contribute significantly to economic diversification and job creation. According to DAFF (2010), the Eastern Cape Province produces.

The South African government has identified the agro-processing industry as a vital part of development that has a potential to create sustainable employment up and down stream and also through integration with other sectors, such as the green economy. The agro-processing industry has backward linkages with agriculture and rural development, thus possibilities exist of alleviating poverty in the rural poor communities of South Africa. According to the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), special emphasis will be placed on the agro-processing sector because it is particularly well placed for scaling up through leveraging market growth and associated upgrading of supply capacity and capabilities. The New Growth Path (NGP, 2010) has a target of 145 000 jobs.

The CDC also has plans for the development of a R2-billion (US$ 200 million) aqua-farming facility on 300 hectares of land in Zone 10 of the Coega SEZ. A feasibility study was completed earlier in August 2014 and the envisaged facility will focus on the commercial cultivation of marine animals and plants as opposed to production of freshwater fish in our neighbouring SEZ in East London. Approximately 5 000 jobs can be created for the local economy through this project. The findings of the feasibility study especially showed that environmental conditions were ideal for abalone farming. The CDC would continue to pursue opportunities in the agro-processing and aqua farming industries that will play an important role in creating jobs, alleviating poverty and reducing hunger, especially within the Eastern Cape.

For investors who wish to take advantage of opportunities in the Agriculture Sector, please contact us on: 

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