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The region is well known for its oranges, prickly pears, angora goats and dairy farms. Ostrich farming does exist
but on a smaller scale. The Eastern Cape is however highly successful when it comes to wool and mohair.
The province, and particularly the Nelson Mandela Metro, has succeeded in establishing South Africa as a
world leader in these sectors. South African mohair is regarded as one of the best quality and highest
yielding in the world.
The Metropolitan area is the largest wool and mohair producer in South Africa with 99% of all wool buyers, processors
and exporters situated in the metro. About 65 to 75% of South African mohair is processed in Port Elizabeth before being
exported.
The aquaculture sector in the metro appears to be growing with abalone production, in particular, on the increase. A
relatively new initiative is the cultivation of mussels and oysters on the Port Elizabeth coastline. The majority of
these products are exported, mainly to the Middle East while marine growers in Port Elizabeth grows seaweed on site
as fodder for its abalone production.
An ostrich breeding farm in the Nelson Mandela Metro consists of a tannery, a breeding farm and an export/import
division exporting hides to Asia, Europe and America. There is also a touch farm on the outskirts of the metro where
visitors can experience farm life and children can interact with farm animals
Some of the most beautiful agricultural land is to be found on the outskirts of the metro, especially the Hankey,
Patensie and the Sundays River areas where the orchards blend beautifully with the majestic mountains as backdrop.
Visit the area in spring when the trees are fragrant and in bloom or in winter when the fruit is being harvested.
The Patensie area is also an important producer of cucumbers and potatoes, sub tropical fruit such as bananas and
avocados are also sourced from this area.
Bathurst is the centre of pineapple, chicory and cattle farming, Alexandria is South Africa's Chicory Capital Addo
is well known for its flowers, cabbage, cauliflower, paddy pans and green peppers while the Gamtoos Valley produces
beetroot, carrots, lettuce, broccoli and spinach as well as good quality tobacco.
Of special interest and worth a visit is the Bathurst Agricultural Museum, Summerhill Farm, site of a huge artificial
pineapple. (The World's Biggest Pineapple) and the Packshed buildings, built in 1826 for orange packing.
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Farm Produce