The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), in strategic partnership with the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Support Programme and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), is proud to announce a vital online masterclass designed exclusively for emerging growers and exporters in the Eastern Cape.
Scheduled for Thursday, 13 November 2025 at 10:00 am, this virtual session will equip participants with the latest knowledge, tools, and best practices needed to successfully export plant-based agricultural products to the European Union—a high-value, regulated market offering significant growth potential.
Why This EU Export Masterclass Is Essential for Eastern Cape Growers
For many small and medium-sized agribusinesses in the Eastern Cape, accessing the EU market remains a challenge due to complex regulatory frameworks, phytosanitary requirements, and certification processes. This masterclass bridges that gap by demystifying EU export protocols and empowering local producers with actionable insights to meet international standards.
By participating, growers gain not only technical know-how but also confidence to compete globally, opening doors to sustainable revenue streams and long-term partnerships.
What You’ll Learn: Key Topics Covered in the Training
Led by industry experts and trade facilitators, the masterclass will delve into critical areas including:
- An overview of the EU-SADC EPA trade agreement and its implications for South African exporters.
- New EU regulations requiring additional compliance measures for agricultural exporters—covering traceability, residue limits, packaging, and labeling.
- Basic principles for exporting plant-based products to the EU: from export documentation and food safety requirements to understanding regulatory authorities and implementing good agricultural practices (GAP).
Participants will leave with clear guidance on navigating bureaucratic hurdles and positioning their businesses for successful entry into one of the world’s most demanding yet rewarding markets.
Who Should Attend? Eligibility and Target Audience
This training is tailored for:
- Emerging growers producing fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, or other plant-based commodities in the Eastern Cape.
- New or aspiring exporters seeking to understand EU market entry requirements.
- Agri-cooperatives, SMMEs, and women- or youth-led farming enterprises looking to scale through international trade.
No prior export experience is required—all are welcome to attend and learn how to build compliant, competitive, and export-ready operations.
How to Register for the Online Masterclass
Registration is free and open to all eligible participants. Secure your place by registering through the official event page:
Register for the EU Export Masterclass
Please ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser to complete the registration form. For assistance, contact the Export Helpdesk at exporthelpdesk@ecdc.co.za .
Event Logistics: Date, Time, and Platform Details
- Date: Thursday, 13 November 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM (SAST)
- Format: Online via Microsoft Teams
- Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours (including Q&A)
- Language: English
Participants are encouraged to join 10 minutes early to test their audio/video settings and familiarize themselves with the platform.
Related opportunity: Join the HandPicked Professional Farming Programme by Mr Price Foundation
Unlock Your Export Potential with ECDC and EU-SADC Support
This masterclass is more than just a training—it’s an investment in the future of Eastern Cape agriculture. With support from the European Union-funded EPA Programme and the dtic, ECDC is committed to building resilient, export-capable agribusinesses that can thrive in global markets.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with trade experts, ask questions, and gain clarity on the path to EU export success.
Stay Updated
Want to stay informed about more farming events, tenders, funding opportunities, and business tips? Follow our updates on the StepApp Network:
- WhatsApp Group: Join here
- WhatsApp Channel: Follow StepApp Updates
- Facebook Page: Follow us
- LinkedIn Profile: Connect with StepApp
- X (Twitter): Follow StepApp SA on X