Issued by: Ministry of Agriculture
24 January 1996
After a week-long visit to Germany, a South African Department of Agriculture delegation, led by Deputy Minister Thoko Didiza has returned, having strengthened agricultural ties between the two countries.
Among other undertakings by the German Ministry of Agriculture, following talks in Bonn, the German Government will persue further discussions with Mrs Didiza on how it will assist in developing South African co-operatives.
The South African delegation was also able to visit the Horticultural Vocational Training Centre, administered by the Agricultural Chamber - a body of farmers responsible for training and for farmers' support programmes.
The delegation found such a programme something that could be explored by South Africa.
Several meetings were held with high-ranking German politicians representing the German Federal Bundestag agricultural committee and those of the European Commission.
Possible technical co-operation between the two countries was discussed.
During the discussions, agricultural trade featured prominently.
It became clear that there was concern within EU agricultural circles about the opening up of access for South African commodities to the European market.
But the German Fruit Importers who also belong to the EU Importers Association shared South Africa's concern about the opening of markets to the EU.
It should be said the GFI is the group that will succeed through a free trade policy and support the opening of markets for our agricultural products.
They said preparatory work which deal mainly with facts and the understanding of the EU policy on agriculture and trade, was critical.
During the visit, the South African delegation also participated in the International Green Week (Grune Woche) - an agricultural exhibition targeted at consumers.
Before 1994, South Africa participated merely through importers of local produce.
The German visit gave South Africa an opportunity to see whether it would be necessary in the future for South Africa to take part.
It should be stressed that many countries inside and outside Europe use the Grune Woche fair to promote their markets.
After the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Berlin is now regarded as the centre of Europe and an entry into the East European market.
In terms of agricultural trade opportunities, this offers excellent new markets for us (SA) which we will have to evaluate.
Issued by: Brian Sokutu (Deputy Ministry Spokesman