"President Mbeki, in his State of the Nation address, centered his speech around the concept of an era of hope. The women involved in agriculture in this province are the ultimate providers of hope," says Ms Joyene Isaacs, Head of the Department of Agriculture. "Their contribution is essential in rural communities, they build bridges between people, and they make their mark in a previously male-dominated environment and make a crucial difference in the battle against poverty. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture wants to acknowledge those women who do not farm themselves, but are involved in agriculture on another level."
Other categories include top exporter, top producer for national markets, and top producer for household use.
"The new category is for women who makes a tangible contribution to agriculture in general," says Charlene Nieuwoudt, communication manager of the Department. "This includes women who do developmental work in the agricultural sector, educators in the context of agriculture or someone who promotes agriculture as a sector or a specific agricultural industry."
The criteria for this new category specifies that candidates should be innovative and creative in their contribution to agriculture, they must be dedicated to the protection of our natural resources, they have to promote equality and create sustainable job opportunities.
Nominations closed on 20 June, and the judging will take place on 17 and 18 July. The awards ceremony will take place on 4 August.
For further queries contact:Gizelle van Wyk
Tel: 021 808 5022
Email: gizellevw@elsenburg.com
