The Eastern Cape has vast untapped potential for primary agricultural and processing activities. The province is suitable for a wide variety of agricultural products due to its temperate and sub-tropical climate as well as summer rainfall. Being South Africa’s (SA) main livestock area, the province provides 30% of SA’s wool and 80% of SA mohair. Dairy farming provides 20% of SA production of milk.

The province has the only significant allocation of land suitable for forestry plantations still available in South Africa, approximately 120 000 hectares. Sawmill activities account for 23% of SA’s forestry and logging production. The extensive billion-rand investment by the Steinhoff Furniture Group in the Eastern Cape timber industry is further proof of the opportunities available within this sector.

The area also lends itself to excellent results with multispan greenhouse production and is currently a leader in hydroponic tomato production along the coast. South Africa has an extensive natural endowment and offers tremendous opportunities to process natural plants for cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, phytopharmaceutical and essential oil purposes. The Fish, Keiskamma, Mbhashe and Kei are major perennial rivers to support irrigated agricultural activities in close proximity to the ELIDZ therefore Investment opportunities are bound to be in agriculture and processing activities.

Opportunities:

  • –  Dairy production
  • –  Red pepper
  • –  Wheat
  • –  Beef
  • –  Chicory
  • –  Essential oils
  • –  Medical Cannabis

Features:

  • –  Close proximity to extensive forestry activities
  • –  Close proximity to mohair producing areas
  • –  Abundant availability of raw material supplies
  • –  A strategic government supported timber project
Ntobeko Bacela (Sector Manager: Aquaculture and Agro Industry )
+27 43 702 8245 | ntobeko@elidz.co.za

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