Leon de Beer: General Manager National Wool Growers’ Association of South Africa WOOL SHEEP FARMING: A LUCRATIVE COMMODITY FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN EASTERN CAPE
National Wool Growers’ Association of SA Represent SA Wool Producers Voluntary membership: commercial 756 communal shearing sheds (20/shed); Representing > individual small holder- and communal wool sheep farmers.
Export Destinations 2013/14 CountryGreasy (kg) Scoured (kg) T & N (kg) Total Rand% of FOB value China Czech Rep Italy India Germany Egypt UK Others: Mauritius, Portugal, Hong Kong.
Key Challenges: Emerging producers Quality and quantity of wool produced in communal areas Informal market/Traders Infrastructure Harvesting & Classing Wool Market access Knowledge and Information Stock- and Wool theft Predation and stray dogs Wool Industry contributes >R7 million/annum
Impact: Wool marketed through the commercial market (auction) and income of communal wool producers in the EC (Source CWSA) SeasonKilogramValue (R)Nat. Price (c/kg) Comm. Price (c/kg) 97/ / / / / / / / / / /
Social Impacts Income from sales of wool and mutton: 47 % internal income in 2004 Increased to 59% (2006) and 65% (2009) Social indicators (2004 to 2009): Children going to bed hungry (43,1% to 27,3%) Households savings accounts (56,9% to 77,3%) Borrow money school fees: (78,4% to 52,3%) Job creation: 30% increase in number of communal producers in formal market
Conclusion Wool is non-perishable- market when opportune Export product- earns foreign currency for households in most rural and extensive farming areas in SA “New” money to stimulate and support rural economy Was the stimulus for establishment of many rural towns in SA over TWO centuries plus a commercial bank! Wool has potential to continue to support rural development even today!! NWGA needs partnership with DRDAR to continue with T&D
Thank you!! NWGA contact details: Tel Fax P.O. Box a Pickering Street Newton Park Port Elizabeth