FFC recognized the importance in stimulating and supporting local entrepreneurial efforts. We believe that our active involvement in these types of projects will stimulate the wider local economy over the long term.
Improved Pasture Project
FFC plans to use suitable open spaces that are not classified as a conservation area, such as historically degraded grassland areas, for more intensive cattle production by planting suitable pasture grasses such as Brachiaria species.
An improved cultivated grassland system will add humidicular, which is higher in protein and can be grazed by cattle over longer periods and therefore improve cattle weights. The plan is to create a system of cattle grazing which produces finished cattle throughout the year. This will increase the carrying capacity of the areas for cattle grazing and benefit local farmers. Under the improved pasture project, it is expected that the productivity will be increased to 180 kgs of animal production per annum per hectare as compared to native grassland, which our research shows, only produces 20 kgs per annum per hectare.
Supplier Development
FFC’s operations facilitate economic opportunities for other commercial activities. FFC continually seeks to foster entrepreneurship, while developing and financing suppliers and contractors and we have identified there is room for more economic growth in the municipality.
Diversification
FFC’s plantations compartment design has been in-line with international best practice and as such creates a pleasing aesthetic landscape. The large number of interconnected conserved areas will be a favourable ecotourism attraction in-line with the surrounding landscape character. The main river areas and conserved indigenous forest areas all have the potential to promote the aesthetic and natural appreciation for the area. This will create alternative revenue opportunities for the local community, should they wish to diversify.
Chicken and Egg Project
We transferred a chicken and egg producing project to a local member of staff. The business began producing 30 eggs per day but is up to 60 now with a target of 100 per day.
Vegetable Project
FFC started an initiative to grow vegetables for employee and contractor consumption. The balance of produce is sold locally.