Attention broadcasters: Afrikaans and English soundbites from MPP Andricus van der Westhuizen attached.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) will support more than 2 500 households in producing their own food on the 2024/25 financial year.
The support ranges from expert advice, soil analysis, production inputs, and relevant infrastructure such as irrigation. The goal of this programme is to strengthen food security, and the support from the Department ensures that suitable crops are planted and that all necessary infrastructure, such as netting and irrigation systems that utilise recycled water, are in place. In total, R16.7 million is allocated to ground level food security interventions.
This was revealed during the tabling of the WCDoA’s budget in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, this week.
The fruit and vegetables produced in these food gardens are often used in community soup kitchens, creches, and schools, reaching those most in need. The benefits of these gardens extend far beyond the provision of healthy and fresh vegetables. Successful gardening is therapeutic in nature, and improve self-worth. Since the start of the 2020/21 financial year, the Department has supported more than 16 000 such food gardens.
MPP Andricus van der Westhuizen says: “With the cost of living reaching eye-watering levels for the majority of consumers, the Western Cape Government has found an innovative approach to address hunger in our communities. By helping to set up community and household food gardens, the Department has found a practical and sustainable way to boost food security in the province.”
The Department has confirmed that it will continue with this successful programme, and I encourage residents from all of our communities across the province to apply for food garden support at their nearest Regional Department of Agriculture Office.”
Follow the link for more information on food garden applications: https://bit.ly/43gQTQY