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Message from our CEO

Casidra2024-10-07T13:13:28+02:00Dr Keith du Plessis, Chief Executive Officer Casidra, the Western Cape's agency for agricultural and economic development, remains dedicated to advancing sustainable growth in rural areas. Over the past year, Casidra has achieved significant milestones in addressing poverty and food insecurity, successfully implementing approximately 10,000 community and household food security projects and managing 80 Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and Disaster Response initiatives. The agency has also provided crucial financial record-keeping support to 40 small-scale farmers and delivered training to over...

CASIDRA CELEBRATES 35TH CONSECUTIVE UNQUALIFIED AUDIT FOR 2023/24

Casidra2024-10-07T13:12:43+02:00Casidra proudly reached a significant milestone with its 35th consecutive unqualified audit for the 2023/24 financial year. This remarkable achievement was highlighted by Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape, during Casidra's Annual General Meeting in Paarl on 27 August 2024. Minister Meyer lauded Casidra's steadfast commitment to exemplary governance and impactful rural community development. “Casidra's consistent demonstration of financial integrity and governance excellence is a testament to its dedication to the Western...

AMALIENSTEIN FARM DAIRY – ZOAR COMMUNITY’S HOPE

Casidra2024-10-07T13:11:53+02:00The management of the Amalienstein Farm outside Ladismith in the Western Cape was taken over by Casidra in the 1990s in an attempt to turn the farm around from being unprofitable, and to preserve its assets and minimise losses. Casidra's Board of Directors visited the farm to witness the many exciting changes to the farm in the past year. With an experienced operations management team comprising Quinton Hoffman and Riaan Strydom, things are looking up with the farm's Jersey herd of...

WAAIKRAAL FARM – THE PRIDE OF THE DYSSELSDORP COMMUNITY

Casidra2024-10-07T13:11:08+02:00Casidra's Board paid an insightful visit to the Waaikraal Farm near Oudtshoorn. Waaikraal was identified to process raw material in Dysselsdorp, with the funds secured to implement new ventures on the farm spanning up to 1274 hectares. The growing process of pasture feed for the herd starts on this farm and there are sufficient lucerne bales of feed stored for the year thereby serving as a micro-farm.  Currently, the farm generates sufficient revenue by selling this feed to its neighbouring farmers. This...

POWERING AGRICULTURE: ENHANCING IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY WITH SOLAR INNOVATIONS

Casidra2024-10-07T13:10:13+02:00In the heart of the Central Karoo, the Laingsburg project stands as a beacon of innovative and sustainable farming practices. Bertie van As, a dedicated farmer specialising in lucerne and onion seeds, has demonstrated a strong commitment to efficient and eco-friendly agricultural methods through his recent irrigation system upgrades. Previously, Bertie received a solar-powered irrigation system from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA). This system significantly reduced his dependence on conventional electricity, leading to lower operational costs and a reduced...

FROM HORSE MANURE TO MUSHROOM MAGIC

Casidra2024-10-07T13:09:12+02:00Yumna Monier of Wild Plum Growers, a prominent female beneficiary of Casidra based in Klipheuwel, has transformed an excess of horse manure into a thriving vertical mushroom cultivation business. Faced with the challenge of recycling nutrient-rich waste, Yumna's innovative approach not only tackled the waste issue, but also created a sustainable foundation for her burgeoning enterprise. Yumna is deeply appreciative of Casidra's pivotal role in the growth of Wild Plum Growers. "Thanks to Casidra's support, we were able to establish additional...

EBENHAEZER IRRIGATION SCHEME PROJECT

Casidra2024-10-07T13:08:49+02:00Agriculture is crucial for driving economic growth, alleviating poverty, and enhancing food security. Farmers at all levels are pivotal to these efforts, contributing significantly to the economic stability of our Province and the nation. The Western Cape is particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming and climate change. As a result, Casidra has prioritised projects that support both small-scale and commercial farmers, focusing on integrated rural development and the enhancement of farming practices. One of Casidra's notable successes is the Ebenhaezer...

TOP GREEN BEAN PRODUCER IN THE CAPE DISTRICT MARKET

Casidra2024-10-07T13:08:06+02:00HLA Boerdery is a thriving vegetable and herb farming initiative located in Lynedoch, on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. The project, spearheaded by beneficiary Hylton Arendse, received crucial financial support through the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's CASP and iLima/Letsema Programme, which aims to alleviate poverty by boosting food production. Driven by a passion for farming, Arendse embarked on his agricultural journey in 2019 by identifying underutilised municipal land. He secured a lease from the municipality and began cultivating a diverse range...

TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF THE MATZIKAMA MERINO GROUP PROJECT

Casidra2024-10-07T13:07:39+02:00Food security is more than just a buzzword—it's a crucial element of a thriving society. It eases the burden on healthcare systems, drives economic growth, and fosters job creation while positively enhancing social wellbeing. In the face of climate change and environmental threats, especially in the Western Cape, Casidra has taken a proactive approach to fortify food security. By prioritising the securing of essential production inputs such as barley, lucerne seeds, and fertiliser, they are paving the way for sustainable agriculture. A...

A WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE WHO LEADS AND INSPIRES OTHER FEMALE FARMERS

Casidra2024-10-07T13:07:01+02:00Sheena Paulus, a dynamic presence in Philippi, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by establishing Tri Toad Nursery. Her passion for fostering community development and effecting positive social change naturally led her to tackle barriers to gender equality. As a mother of three daughters, Sheena balances her career and family life through effective time management, and seeking support from her professional and personal circles. Setting boundaries and prioritising self-care are crucial for maintaining wellbeing. Support from family, friends, and professional mentors...