If there’s a problem, Iwant a solution
A
lbert Einstein once said: “We cannot solve our problems
with the same level of thinking that created them.” This
may well be why Unati Speirs, the chief director: Agro-
processing at theDepartment of Trade and Industry
(DTI) has been so successful in her career. To her, a
problemposes anopportunity.
The future of agriculture in
SouthAfrica
When asked if she believes that agriculture in
South Africa has a future, she answers: “Yes,
definitely, but wedoneed a food identity, dishes that are true toour
heritage.”
She explains that South Africa needs to include
food as part of tourism because at the base of
it is agriculture. “A foodmapwill attractmore
international visitors toSouthAfrica.”
Products which in the past have been
considered to be part of South Africa’s
food heritage have been “hijacked” by
the global markets and as a result have
created trade barriers, for example port,
champagne and salami.
With the DTI’s involvement, a food
register is being created so that South
African food sources, like rooibos tea, can
beprotected.
Sheseesagricultureasoneof themost secure
enterprises into which a person can venture,
as people have to eat. “It is a shame that there
are somany negative connotations to agriculture
which detracts from it,” she expands on the
topic.
As a result of being considered a high
risk, she views financial support as one
of the biggest challenges agriculture
in our country faces. She also feels
strongly that agriculture should be
promoted at school level especially
those areas of business that are
linked to agriculture and that
supports the industry, but are
outside the farm, such as
biotechnology.Thiswillhelp
align the youth’s view on
where final products come
from; where they originate
from. “A lotof children think
milk and meat come from
the supermarket,” she adds
with a smile.
The DTI supports farming
activities that are linked to
manufacturing. Unati says:
“Our incentive scheme
has been growing year-
ly and we are not
solely supporting big
projects, but growing
our incentive scheme
–Unati Speirs
LOUISEKUNZ,
SAGraan/Grain
contributor
RELEVANT
(
Unati Speirs
