The Covid-19 Lockdown regulations have had everyone, including the wine industry wondering what will be deemed essential and what businesses will inevitably take a massive economic hit. As of last night, Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, announced that the agri sector has been deemed ‘essential’ during the lockdown.
This, of course, is a big relief to farmers and to those in the wine industry. ‘I do however want to assure farmers and farmworkers that in terms of Regulation No. 398 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, the sector, being responsible for food security, has been declared as essential.’ Minister Meyer said.
It has also been noted that “harvesting and storage activities are essential to prevent the wastage of primary agricultural goods,”, which means that the wine industry will be allowed to complete their harvest and to continue the normal and necessary cellar process to ensure there will be no waste.
Christo Conradie, manager of wine cellars at Vinpro said that ‘Agri-workers that are required to harvest grapes and/or to operate as cellar workers, will be considered essential workers, during the lockdown period.’
This news means that wine farms will be able to continue harvesting and manufacturing wine which can possibly save their businesses from further severe economical impact that Covid-19 has brought to businesses across all fields. Great news for the wine industry, for the Western Cape and for wine drinkers all round.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY BE INFECTED
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has a toll-free number for the public that deals with Covid-19 related issues or questions: 0800 029 999. The line is operated 24 hours a day.
