The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) has called for the fast-tracking of a draft policy that will ensure that women, youth and the disabled are able to access the 50% of funds allocated to them to develop in the sector.
Briefing the Portfolio Committee in parliament yesterday on the current state of the draft Policy on Comprehensive Producer Development Support, chairperson Rosina Machwene Semenya, said: “The department must fast-track this policy and finalise it before we close this term as the fifth parliament. In the new term, this policy must be implemented. The Department must ensure that all stakeholders are consulted.”
The policy will define and standardise the categories of producers in the sector, establish a comprehensive electronic register to assist them in applying for support from the government, and improve the efficiency with which support is provided in order to avoid competition and unnecessary duplication.
