Article re-cap
- The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism has opened applications for the Export Competitive Enhancement Programme to support food exporters.
- The ECEP Fund provides co-funding for value added food and beverage sub sectors, including packaged foods, wine, fruit juices, specialty teas, and processed meat.
- Funding is available for costs related to international certifications, laboratory testing, and packaging adjustments for multi language labelling laws.
- Priority for this programme will be given to sectors with high export potential, as well as applications from women, youth, and business owners with disabilities.
The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism has opened applications for the Export Competitive Enhancement Programme to support food exporters.
The initiative, led by Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, aims to help local businesses overcome technical trade barriers and meet foreign market standards.
The fund provides co-funding for the value-added food and beverage sub-sectors, including enterprises producing packaged foods, wine, fruit juices, specialty teas, processed meat, or processed produce. Primary agricultural operations such as basic livestock or crop farming do not qualify for operational capital through this programme.
According to the department, the ECEP Fund targets costs related to international certifications, laboratory testing, and packaging adjustments for multi-language labelling laws. It also covers specialised export machinery and market entry services like product registration with foreign regulatory bodies.
The programme excludes funding for operational working capital, building infrastructure, or the purchase of raw stock and livestock. Priority will be given to sectors with high export potential, with encouragement for applications from women, youth, and business owners with disabilities.
As agricultural trade drives the Western Cape economy, this funding seeks to expand the international footprint of local businesses to create jobs and attract investment across the provincial agricultural value chain. Only online applications will be considered by the department.
Frequently asked questions
Which food businesses can apply for the Export Competitive Enhancement Programme?
Businesses in value-added food and beverage sub-sectors qualify, including those producing packaged foods, wine, fruit juices, specialty teas, processed meat, or processed produce. Primary agricultural operations like basic livestock or crop farming do not qualify for this programme's operational capital.
What types of costs does the ECEP Fund cover for exporters?
The fund covers international certifications, laboratory testing, packaging adjustments for multi-language labelling, specialised export machinery, and market entry services such as product registration with foreign regulatory bodies.
What will not be funded through this export programme?
The programme excludes funding for operational working capital, building infrastructure, and the purchase of raw stock and livestock. These items fall outside the scope of eligible expenses.
Who gets priority for this export funding in the Western Cape?
Priority is given to sectors with high export potential. The department also encourages applications from women, youth, and business owners with disabilities to ensure inclusive economic participation in the export sector.
Source: agrinews.co.za
