The establishment of the Dube Trade Port (DTP) will offer opportunities for farmers in iLembe, especially as a result of their favourable location, to export high value perishable crops. ROMAC Farms, a commercial business located within iLembe, is a successful hydroponics and vegetable processing plant, that supplies processed vegetables and salad packs to a number of outlets in KwaZulu-Natal. Tunnel production of vegetables, which allows for production under controlled conditions, offers opportunities for income generation and employment. A project that is based on a partnership with a business such as Romac Farms, will ensure that producers have a secure market as well as access to technical expertise. Agreements with the private partner would need to be negotiated so that advantage can be taken of other markets such as Dube Trade Port.
 

This opportunity involves primary production and processing as well as linkages with a private commercial partner, is well aligned with the principles of the Provincial Spatial Economic Development Strategy (PSEDS). The Strategy has identified corridors where different types of investment and economic development will be encouraged. Agriculture, including both primary production and agro-processing, has been identified as one of the key sectors to be supported and linkages of the second economy with the first economy are seen to be essential for sustainable development. Enterprise iLembe has commenced with a R18million Tunnel Farming Development, covering all four local municipalities. This facility is operational but private sector investments are needed to meet market demand and build economies of scale.