Namibian minimum wage increases 25%
Namibia’s minimum wage for farmworkers was recently increased from N$690 (R690) to N$900 (R900) per month, while the food allowance was increased from N$400 to N$500 per month. The wage was last increased in June 2014.
GWK optimistic after tough 2016/2017 fiscal
A multi-million-rand capital investment project, coupled with drought stress, led to a profit loss for GWK in the 2016/2017 financial year.
Non-browning GMO Arctic apples now on North American shelves
Genetically modified (GM) non-browning apples are now available to consumers in North America. The first harvest of the Arctic variety was recently brought in by Canadian company, Okanagan Speciality Fruits (OSF).
Wheat leaf disease, a potential threat
Outbreaks of a previously unknown wheat leaf disease have been reported in South Africa, which could have a serious impact on food security and sustainable wheat production in the country.
Table grape forecast: lower harvest due to drought
South Africa’s 2017/2018 table grape crop was expected to be between 6% and 13% lower than the 2016/2017 exported crop.
New seed variety promises to boost maize production in Africa
At the beginning of the year, Monsanto launched DK777, a pest-resistant white maize cultivar, in Kenya.
World dairy must tackle environmental debate head-on
The global dairy industry must address the risk of dairy being labelled a “problem protein” environmentally. This is according to Jaap Evers, International Dairy Federation (IDF) global standards leader.
Developing farmers learn about conservation agriculture
More than 100 developing crop farmers from central KwaZulu-Natal, most of whom farm on traditional authority lands, recently attended an information day on no-till conservation agriculture practices.
New farmworkers’ minimum wage R18/hour
As of 1 May 2018, the national minimum wage (NMW) for farmworkers will be R18/hour, according to the National Minimum Wage Bill approved on 1 November.
30-truck convoy delivers feed to drought-stricken farmers
A convoy of trucks is currently delivering half-a-million rands' worth of feed to farmers in the drought-stricken Western Cape, a gesture which will help to keep livestock alive and bring hope to farming communities.
Michael Bradfield elected first Wagyu SA CEO
The newly formed Wagyu Breeders’ Society of South Africa has appointed Dr Michael Bradfield as its first CEO.
E. coli levels a threat to Gauteng crops
Levels of E. coli in catchment areas in Gauteng have been increasing and could affect agricultural crop production, according to Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development.
Wheat breeding platform set to boost SA wheat production
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, has formally launched the national Wheat Breeding Platform (WBP) at the Welgevallen Experimental Farm near Stellenbosch.
Further drop in agri employment
Agriculture shed 25 000 jobs in the third quarter (Q3), having cut 84 000 jobs in the first half of 2017, according to figures released by Statistics SA.
Land audit provides new figures on ownership
A land audit conducted by Agri SA and Agri Development Solutions has provided new figures for land ownership changes between 1994 and 2017.
EU glyphosate vote moved to November
The European Commission has issued a statement saying it would vote on 9 November 2017 on a proposal to renew approval for glyphosate use, at the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed.
#BlackMonday protests raise awareness for farm murders
Thousands of people took part in a peaceful protest against attacks on farmers and farmworkers on Monday. Jaco Minnaar, chairperson for Grain SA, said that the organisation received reports on various protest marches throughout the country.
Big boost for Rwandan poultry production
Social impact agribusiness investor, AgDevCo, recently announced a US$3 million (about R43 million) debt investment in the Rwandan poultry company, Uzima Chicken.
Consumers must be informed about dairy substitute drinks
Dairy substitute drinks do not contain adequate levels of iodine, and according to UK researchers they are therefore not a suitable alternative for the ‘real thing’.
A call to wear black in tribute to murdered farmers
A farm manager from Franschhoek in the Western Cape, Chris Loubser, has posted an emotional video filmed in his bakkie on social media, calling on all South Africans to wear black on Monday 30 October, to pay tribute to all the farmers who have lost their lives in farm attacks.
