THE FUSE

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp met with farmers and local stakeholders in Humansdorp and Patensie as the Kouga agricultural community continues to deal with the effects of severe weather, foot-and-mouth disease and ongoing land ownership concerns. The meetings took place on Friday, 18 September, with Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman joining the minister during engagements with farmers. The discussions focused on issues that directly affect production, farm recovery and the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region. Farmers were given an opportunity to raise concerns directly with national government while Aucamp provided updates on the government’s response to some of the challenges facing the sector. The engagements also highlighted the importance of cooperation between national government, local authorities and farmers as the agricultural community works through a difficult period.