
BLUE CRANE
AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENTS
DEFINITION
-
An Agri park (AP) is a networked innovation system of agro-production, processing, logistics, marketing and training and extension services, located in District Municipalities. As a network it enables a market-driven combination and integration of various agricultural activities and rural transformation services. The AP will comprise of three basic units :-
-
The Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU). The FPSU is a rural outreach unit connected with the Agri-hub. The FPSU does primary collection, some storage, some processing for the local market, and extension services including mechanisation.
-
Agri-Hub Unit (AH). The AH is a production, equipment hire, processing, packaging, logistics and training (demonstration) unit.
-
The Rural Urban Market Centre Unit (RUMC). The RUMC has three main purposes;
-
i. Linking and contracting rural, urban and international markets through contracts.
-
ii. Acts as a holding-facility, releasing produce to urban markets based on seasonal trends.
-
iii. Provides market intelligence and information feedback, to the AH and FPSU, using latest Information and communication technologies.