Are you a Western Cape resident interested in issues affecting agricultural workers and looking for ways to lend a hand?
The Western Cape Prestige Agri-Awards (WCPAA) and the Agri-Worker Household Census (AWHHC) dashboard have been launched by the province’s department of agriculture.
The annual awards acknowledge the valuable and vital contribution that agri-workers make to the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector in the Western Cape.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, said the recent celebration of Workers Day on 1 May, is a perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of agricultural workers and acknowledge their invaluable contribution to the agricultural sector.
“Growing and transporting produce along the value chain is a labour of love, hard work and sacrifice. Feeding the millions of people in our communities would not be possible without the men and women who keep that chain moving. Agri-workers impact our lives every day. They plant, nurture, pick, pack, keep grocery stores stocked, and provide access to healthy food for our communities,” he said.
Speaking about the launch of the Agri-Worker Household Census dashboard, Meyer said they completed two iterations of the census between 2014 and April 2021 which provide information on the assistance and social support services needed by agri-worker households.
“With the launch of the AWHHC dashboard, this information is now readily available to inform interventions and initiatives to improve the livelihoods of agri-worker communities. The database allows for responsive interventions to the challenges and needs of agri-worker households. Those which fall outside the remit of the WCDoA are referred to the appropriate Department and service providers,” he said.
He said the provincial department is the only agricultural department with a dedicated programme on agri-worker issues.
“Today, I also listened with empathy and compassion to matters affecting agriculture and agri-workers in the Western Cape. This is in line with our undertaking to talk less and listen more to our stakeholders,” he said.
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Picture: Cape Town ETC
