When the new administration took over after the April elections, our President announced and pronounced that working together we can do more. In recognising the critical importance of sustainable rural economies, a vibrant agricultural activity will be the cornerstone of rural development. To realise this goal, the mandate of the department has been expanded to include forestry and fisheries. This approach is shared throughout Africa where agriculture has been declared a prime sector to turn around the economic fortunes of the poor in the developmental state.