Question 1072 for written reply, National Assembly: Ms D.
Whether her department has any measures in place to ensure the proper regulation of contracts to facilitate the ideal diversification of crops prior to contract farming; if not, why not; if so, (a) what measures and (b) what are the further relevant details NW1194?
Provincial Departments of Agriculture are involved in the process of securing contracts between farmers and retailers or any other clients needing the production of a particular crop. In such cases, there are measures in place that allow for government intervention should it happen that stipulations in the contract are not adhered to by either party. In instances where government was not involved, then the responsibility lies with the farmers to seek justice in their own capacities. Thus far, the regulation of contracts has not necessarily been targeted at facilitating the ideal diversification of crops, but primarily to secure markets for farmers in an effort to ensure income generation, growth and sustainability of their farming enterprises.