Belgian firm to open chicory plant in Peddie

Report by Lulamile Feni

PEDDIE -- A Belgian company, Orafti, is planning to invest around R780million in a chicory production and processing plant in the Eastern Cape which would create 2500 jobs, Agriculture and Land Affairs MEC Max Mamase said here yesterday.

Speaking at a chicory information event at Moyeni, Mamase said the company was committed to the empowerment of previously disadvantaged farmers.

Orafti processes chicory roots to produce inulin used as an ingredient in making a variety of food products, ranging from chocolates, cream, cheese, milk, yoghurt and dairy drink to low-fat meat products.

Orafti plans to establish the plant in Peddie in March next year.

The department has already produced its preliminary findings on suitable areas for the production of chicory in the Eastern Cape.

The investment, in addition to helping commercialise smallholder farmers, will also present an opportunity for sharing skills and expertise between Orafti and local participating communities.

Chicory production has been concentrated in the Alexandria, Paterson, Bathurst and Albany districts -- close to the processing plant in Alexandria.

Mamase also encouraged partnerships between commercial and emerging farmers to develop agriculture and farming.

The Wesley Chicory project -- in which emerging farmer Sidney Makana had entered into partnership with commercial farmers Andrew Emslie, and Len and Russell Webber -- has set a good example, he said.