PHELANDABA – Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Agrarian Reform and Veterinary Services, Nonceba Kontsiwe has handed over a new shearing shed to wool farmers in the Phelandaba Administrative Area, while calling on communities to encourage more young people to enter the agricultural sector.
Speaking during the handover, Kontsiwe highlighted concerns about the ageing farming population in South Africa and said the long-term sustainability of the industry depends on attracting younger generations into agriculture.
The MEC also praised wool producers across the province for choosing to market their wool through accredited channels rather than selling to informal buyers, commonly referred to as “boya boya bakkies”.
According to the department, these informal buyers often offer farmers unfair prices for their wool, reducing the income they can earn from their produce.
Kontsiwe said government-supported accredited wool markets provide farmers with better opportunities to secure fair returns and strengthen their businesses.
She also commended communal wool farmers for viewing wool production as a valuable source of wealth and economic opportunity within rural communities.
The Department of Agriculture reaffirmed its commitment to supporting wool growers through investments in infrastructure and the provision of quality breeding stock aimed at improving productivity and expanding wool enterprises.
“The Department will continue working with farmers to improve productivity, strengthen market access, and grow the wool industry for the benefit of rural communities,” Kontsiwe said.
The new shearing shed is expected to support local wool producers by improving shearing operations and contributing to the development of the wool industry in the area.
Source: Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.
