As reported in the media, Agri SA wishes to persuade the government to proclaim the recurring drought experienced in South Africa as a national disaster. The organisation remains in discussion with the government in order to secure assistance to keep farmers in production.
One of the initiatives to support farmers in drought-stricken areas is Agri SA’s Drought Disaster Fund which was established in conjunction with Senwes. The fund is now being administered by Agri SA and delegated to the grassroots level in all provinces where there is a dire need. Producers can apply via their farmer associations for disaster relief. In the short term, the fund aims to support farmers via their affiliates, for example subsidising the transportation of stock feed. Agri SA requested commodity organisations to act in solidarity and contribute to the fund via their commodity structures.
A call is made to businesses and the public to support this initiative by making contributions to the fund via the website created for this purpose, namely www.droogterampfonds.co.za . Please contact deputy executive director Christo van der Rheede at Agri SA at christo@agrisa.co.za for further information.
Lise Roberts interviewed Christo van der Rheede about the Drought Disaster Fund on RSG Landbou. To listen to this interesting interview, click HERE.
Published on Monday, 25th January 2016 - 09:21
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