Supporting EAC
Traidcraft supported Eksteenskuil Agricultural Co-operative through the process of turning from an association (a rather loose grouping) to a co-operative.
The group grows grapes which they dry to produce raisins and sultanas. We paid for a local consultant to work with them, develop a business plan and co-ordinate meetings with other co-ops in the region to share ideas.
As a co-operative they have more involvement in their product - from bulk buying to developing a more powerful relationship with the processor.
Alfred's story
Alfred Titus has 2.75 hectares of vines and he expects a high yield. His drying yard was full with grapes from the first half hectares of vines. While these dry, Alfred and his brother will do other work.
What difference does drying raisins make?
"They pay better, there is an established market and we have security," said Gerritt, Alfred's father. As for EAC becoming a co-op: "There is no better option."
