On Tuesday, 22 February, the provincial Department of Agriculture briefed the Standing Committee on the approved agreement between the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the State of California’s Department of Food and Agriculture. The signing of the agreement is scheduled for 11 March 2022. The agreement aims to create a flexible framework which will promote the exchange of information, best farming practices and how to support the agricultural sector in becoming climate resilient.
This agreement has been revised since first being signed in 2001 and guarantees working relationships in key agricultural projects in the province. Best practices such as improving water-use efficiency and policies will ensure that the Department of Agriculture can support farmers in protecting their work against the effects of climate change.
As the state of California has one of the leading agricultural departments globally as well as a Mediterranean climate, it is a valuable partner in supporting the continued growth of the agricultural sector in the Western Cape. This agreement is a further step towards sustainable growth in the sector.
MPP Andricus van der Westhuizen says: “The Western Cape and California share many similarities in climate patterns and soil. And so, a partnership between the two regions is valuable in protecting and supporting our agricultural sector – one of the biggest industries in the Western Cape.
The agreement will include extensive exchange of valuable information and smart technologies through initiatives and webinars while higher learning institutions in both states will connect for agricultural and water-use research. Helping to create a more robust and climate resilient agricultural sector is key to the long-term economic recovery of the Western Cape.”