This week saw the official launch by trade and industry minister Dr Rob Davies of a R1-billion Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS).
Speaking at the Africa’s Big 7 food forum at Gallagher Estate earlier this week, he said that the APSS would encourage investment in both upstream and downstream support services in agro-processing and beneficiation initiatives.
“It will be a cost-sharing grant towards funding agro-processing projects and it will be capped at R20 million over a two-year investment period, subject to availability of funds,” said Davies.
The scheme will be implemented under the Department of Trade and Industry’s (dti) Incentive Development and Administration Division. Officials will assist applicants with the relevant information to ensure they submit a successful application for funding.
“The APSS will target five key sub-sectors which will include food and beverage value addition and processing including black winemakers, furniture manufacturing, fibre processing, feed production and fertiliser production,” he added.
A national awareness campaign is planned.
