The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), in partnership with the EU-SADC EPA Support Programme, are hosting an essential online Emerging Growers Masterclass on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 10:00 am. This free, high-value session is designed for emerging farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and small-scale exporters seeking to access the European Union market with plant-based agricultural products.
The masterclass will demystify the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and equip participants with practical knowledge on regulatory compliance, food safety standards, and export readiness, critical steps for scaling into one of the world’s most demanding markets.
Why This Masterclass Matters for South African Producers
South Africa’s agricultural sector holds immense potential for export growth—but navigating EU market access remains a major barrier for emerging players. The EPA opens preferential tariff treatment, yet new EU regulations (e.g., Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on phytosanitary controls and General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002) impose strict requirements on traceability, residue limits, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). This session bridges that gap, translating complex rules into actionable guidance.
What You’ll Learn: Practical Export Readiness
Participants will gain clarity on:
- EU-SADC EPA fundamentals: Tariff benefits, rules of origin, and eligibility for preferential access
- Key EU regulatory updates: Phytosanitary certificates, maximum residue levels (MRLs), and labelling requirements
- Export workflow: From farm to port—including DAFF/DAFF-accredited labs, SABS certification, and consignment documentation
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): How to implement and verify GAP for audit readiness
- Support pathways: Access to dtic’s Exporter Development Programme, ECDC’s agri-incubation, and EPA Helpdesk services
All content is tailored for smallholders and SMMEs—not large corporates—with real-world case examples from Eastern Cape producers.
Who Should Attend?
This masterclass is ideal for:
- Emerging farmers and cooperatives producing fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, or flowers
- Agri-entrepreneurs developing value-added plant-based products (dried, frozen, processed)
- Export-ready SMMEs preparing for first-time EU shipments
- Extension officers, agri-advisors, and NGO facilitators supporting rural producers
No prior export experience required—only a commitment to grow sustainably and competitively.
How to Register: Free, Online, and Action-Oriented
The event is fully virtual and free of charge. To secure your spot:
- Register Here: EPA Emerging Growers Masterclass
- Confirmation and Zoom link will be emailed 48 hours before the event
- A post-session resource pack—including checklists, templates, and contact directories—will be shared with all registrants
Spaces are limited; early registration is encouraged.
Related opportunity: AGRO-WELL Open Call: €37.5K for Smart Farming Solutions
About the Partners
- dtic: Drives inclusive industrialisation and export competitiveness through targeted support programmes.
- ECDC: Accelerates economic development in the Eastern Cape by empowering agri-SMEs and rural entrepreneurs.
- EU-SADC EPA Support Programme: Funded by the European Union to strengthen trade capacity and EPA implementation across Southern Africa.
Together, they’re building a pipeline of resilient, export-capable agri-producers ready to thrive in global markets.
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