While the ELIDZ's mushroom project, if and when it goes ahead, will add significantly to the already successful agriculture-linked output of the zone, there are other sectors waiting to flourish.
The Eastern Cape has vast untapped potential for primary agricultural and processing activities, with the IDZ geared to add value to the production.
The province has an enviable potential for a vast array of agricultural products, and the eastern half has a temperate to subtropical climate.
Summer rainfall and vast tracts of fertile land means farmers could be geared for strong output.
The province's farmers contribute high percentages of national livestock production, including 30% of SA’s wool and 80% of its mohair. Dairy farming provides 20% of the nation's production of milk.
The game farming sector is significant, as is forestry plantations.
Over 9,000 small-scale EC farmers will soon look forward to grain harvests from nearly 30,000ha planted before the rains.
While temperature can plunge inland during winter, this can be countered by multispan greenhouse production.
The province leads the way in hydroponic tomato production along the EC coast.
Another steadily growing sector is the processing of natural plants for cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, phytopharmaceutical and essential oil purposes.
These plants could become anchors for hugely increased production.
The Fish, Keiskamma, Mbhashe and Kei are all major perennial rivers which support irrigated agricultural activities in relatively close proximity to the ELIDZ.
Farming opportunities reasonably close to the ELIDZ include dairy farming, red peppers, wheat, beef, chicory, essential oils, medical cannabis and hemp.
These last two grow relatively wild, especially in the rolling hills of the Pondoland region to the east of the Kei.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.