Farmers get some reprieve from Budget 2023
The annual budget delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in Parliament on Wednesday, 22 February, delivered some relief for those farmers struggling under the burden of load-shedding and rising input...
‘Stock theft statistics do not paint a true picture of the crime in SA’
The South African stock theft statistics as recently released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) is not a true reflection of the impact of the crime in the country,...
Industry hits back at leather production criticism
It is reckless of animal welfare organisations to make unfounded assumptions about the treatment of livestock in South Africa, according to James Faber, chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation.
Role players hope to see government support agri sector in Budget Speech
Role players expect Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to announce support for the agriculture sector as load-shedding and rising input costs see farmers battling to produce affordable food. Godongwana will...
Food prices continue to rise despite a lower CPI
The consumer price inflation (CPI) index may have decreased so far this year, but consumers still face significant food costs.
Renewed calls to exempt chicken from VAT
FairPlay has renewed calls for government to remove South Africa’s 15% value-added tax (VAT) from chicken portions because of “rising agricultural costs, including unreliable and increasingly expensive electricity”.
Transnet dumps blueberry industry in deep water
South Africa’s blueberry season has come to a close, and it is one that many farmers would prefer to forget, with the negative repercussions expected to be felt for years...
Widespread flooding declared a national disaster
On 13 February, government declared a national state of disaster in response to the floods affecting Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West.
Botswana optimistic about local apple production
Farmers in Botswana are looking forward to starting the commercial production of apples, after the introduction of semi-arid varieties of apple trees suitable for local conditions.
Organised agriculture wants SONA promises backed by action
Agricultural role players are unmoved by the commitments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 9 February.
Increasing the production of pulses will benefit people and planet
Hunger, poverty, soil degradation, and climate change: few crops can boast the ability to solve all of these challenges.
Rolling blackouts derail poultry progress
Poultry farmers are operating at a R2/kg loss due to the effects of rolling blackouts and high feed costs, according to Chris Schutte, CEO of Astral Foods.
