Around 200 Cargill employees in Eastern Province will lose their jobs following the proposed agreement between Cargill and PROFIT plus.
Cutting Edge Public Relations Officer, Mildred Kaunda says in a media statement availed to Breeze News that Cargill will follow the required Zambian processes, ensuring that each employee is treated with dignity and respect.
Ms. Kaunda explained that Cargill and the Profit Plus Program have signed an MOU, Memorandum of Understanding to support small-scale farmers and to encourage the growth of entrepreneurial, independent agro-dealers in Zambia’s agricultural sector.
She says under the proposed agreement, subject to final contractual arrangements, PROFIT plus network of over 300 independent agro-dealers in Eastern Province will replace the services currently provided to farmers by Cargill, providing access to seeds, fertilizer, extension services and training to farmers.
Ms. Kaunda says Cargill will re-focus on its core strengths and capabilities in grain and oilseeds origination, merchandizing and trading.
It will provide market access for small-scale farmers by purchasing soybeans, maize and cotton through the PROFIT plus agro-dealer network.
She says this will allow both Cargill and PROFIT plus to focus on their core capabilities and lead to a more effective service to farmers.