Newcastle municipality aims to boost the beef and dairy farming programme
Recognising the importance of engaging stakeholders across various sectors, the Newcastle Local Municipality formed a Project Steering Committee (PSC).
The local farming sector has been boosted by Newcastle’s Municipality’s beef and dairy farming programme that aims not only to create employment but to also enhance food security.
The local Economic Development and Tourism Directorate spearheaded the initiative alongside various stakeholders at the launch on June 24.
This programme, according to the municipality, is a part of the broader Agriculture Incubation Programme and seeks to bolster economic growth within Newcastle,
“The genesis of this programme can be traced back to a group of small-scale dairy farmers who approached the Newcastle Municipality for support in accessing markets,” the municipal statement read.
Their appeal prompted the municipality to convene the first beef and dairy farming programme meeting, where a clear need for intervention in both the beef and dairy sectors was identified.
This, they said, marked the beginning of a series of strategic steps aimed at empowering local farmers; a key feature of the programme is its collaborative approach.
This committee comprises representatives from key entities, including local municipalities within the Amajuba District, financial institutions, farmer associations, agricultural training institutes, and government departments such as the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Youth Development Agency.
Currently, the programme is in its pilot phase, with a selected group of farmers undergoing a skills audit and receiving specialised training in beef farming.
This pilot study will later include dairy farming.
Backing the initiative, Mayor Clr Xolani Dube said ‘the establishment of the Project Steering Committee underscores our commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth’.
“By harnessing the expertise and resources of our diverse stakeholders, we aim to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers and the community at large,” Mayor Dube said.
It was stressed that the programme remains open to collaboration with all local municipalities within the Amajuba District, ensuring a collective effort towards agricultural prosperity.
“As more farmers are incorporated into the programme, the Newcastle Municipality anticipates a significant impact on job creation, poverty reduction, and overall economic development in the region,” the municipality concluded.
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