Visiting the Alexandria farming areas where chicory production is most prominent yesterday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane said public-private initiatives like the partnership with Nestle were critical to grow jobs.
Nestle had previously imported its chicory from India and the company is now looking to local suppliers. It has formed a similar agreement with KwaZulu-Natal farmers.
Chicory is a main ingredient in products such as coffee.
Chicory SA Agricultural Manager Loddie Greyling said the demand for chicory had increased substantially this season, with the ceiling being lifted on the amounts produced in the area.
"We are involved with several emerging farming projects where chicory is being planted on about 350ha.
"We would like to increase the land where chicory is being produced, for both commercial and emerging farms, to between 1,200 and 1,300ha," he said. It is expected the 2015-16 season will yield 14,000 tons.
Chicory SA, headquartered in Alexandria, is involved in the production, marketing and distribution of dried chicory, roasted chicory and liquid chicory extract.
Qoboshiyane said the government, through mainly the Department of Trade and Industry, had facilitated the trade partnership with Nestle.
He met Chicory SA representatives and farmers yesterday to discuss how to boost the chicory industry and connect both commercial and emerging farmers to big industry players like Nestle.
He also handed over seed, fertilisers and insecticides valued at R400,000 to farmers.
In an attempt to increase chicory production, the department has identified an additional 105ha in the Sarah Baartman district and 200ha in the Amathole District Municipality area with new smallholder farmers eager to put their land under production.
Qoboshiyane also met emerging dairy farmers.
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