WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Cooperation in the agriculture sector received a big boost on Friday afternoon (11 March) when a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and the Californian Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).The signing took place during a digital platform Microsoft Teams meeting.
The signing were attended amongst other by the premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde and the provincial minister of Agriculture, dr. Ivan Meyer, that was sitting in Cape Town and secretary Karen Ross from the CDFA that was sitting in California.
The aims of the MoU include:
The exchange of information on climate change mitigation and best practices within the agricultural sector; Connecting academic institutions to further research and collaboration on water-use efficiency in the agricultural sector; and further the use and availability of climate-smart agricultural technology and on-farm practices to improve soil health, water-use efficiency, and modelling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The agricultural sector in the Western Cape and California both have Mediterranean climates and are essential for food security globally. They share many similarities and challenges related to production, climate, and soils.
Meyer said the Western Cape is currently responsible for 53% of South Africa's agriculture exports.
Both the regions can learn from each other. He said it signals the beginning of an exciting period for the two regions.
Winde said it is amazing what the similarities are between the two regions. According to him it is an important strategic partnership.
He is looking forward to take the agreement between the two agriculture departments to other areas where they can cooperate.
Secretary Karen Ross
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