Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries on 2nd quarter 2016/17 performance, in presence of Minister & Deputy Minister

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) briefed the Portfolio Committee on its second quarter performance and expenditure. The Minister and Deputy Minister were in attendance and participated in answering questions. It was noted that the Medium Term Strategic Framework from 2014 to 2019 was focusing on food security, sector transformation, job creation, and increasing agriculture’s contribution to GDP. Sector transformation was directed mainly to the fisheries sector, by implementing the Small-scale Fisheries Policy, which would change the socio-economic profile of the sector, and promote and empower smallholder producers through targeted support measures to increase their competitive edge towards becoming sustainable producers. Job creation was aimed at achieving the NDP goal of creating 1 million new jobs by 2030. Contribution to GDP included strengthening the controls on animal disease, plant and pest controls and conclude trading opportunities