ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber have been working together on areas of deciduous fruit development through research and training. This MoU aims to further explore collaborations in areas of mutual interest, specifically in areas of research, development and technology transfer, and in particular, that of the transformation of the Deciduous Fruit Industry.
The two organisations will co-operate and collaborate through:
· research and technical expertise,
· technical resources and feasibility studies,
· integrated support of farmers and related stakeholders,
· sharing of farmer databases,
· research co-operation, collaboration and/or commercialization,
· participation and organisation of joint conferences, workshops and seminars,
· exchange of relevant scientific and technical information and documentation,
· short-term training programs.
Further to the above, the ARC will partner with DFDC-SA as it implements its strategic objective, that of growing deciduous fruit in non-traditional areas. The ARC will offer technical support, linked to feasibility studies, research and cultivar development in the Mpumalanga, Free State and Limpopo Provinces.
Partnerships such as this one between the ARC and the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber enable the direct dissemination of technologies and scientific solutions to farmers and their associated organisations, which in turn, facilitates the competitiveness and sustainability of the South African agricultural sector.
The ARC and DFDC-SA are currently in a planning phase to kick-start the work in Mpumalanga and the Free State. This collaboration will unlock access to cultivars, which would have not been easily accessible to black producers, and it is in this partnership that revitalisation of deciduous fruit farms in non-traditional areas will be realised.
Both organisations emphasised the importance of the partnership, which will boost continued agricultural economic growth, job creation and social development. The ARC and DFDC-SA are confident that this agreement will strengthen the deciduous fruit sector and the growth of all South African farmers, with specific targets to bring emerging agri-entrepreneurs into the industry value chain.
For more information:
Ms Derusha Crank
ARC Marketing and Communications
Tel: 021 809 3100
Cell: 079 490 1448 E-mail: CrankD@arc.agric.za