Interest rate cuts a relief for cash-strapped farmers
The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) recent 25-basis point reduction in the repo rate to 6,5%, coupled with a lowering of fuel prices and a stronger rand, will go a long way to provide some relief to farmers who are struggling in the current tough economic environment.
New on-site medical care for Grabouw fruit company workers
Two-a-Day, a fruit growing, packing and marketing company in Grabouw, recently launched a wellness programme and day clinic for its employees, which will enable them to receive medical treatment and minor surgery on the premises.
Additional vehicles to combat crime in the Free State welcomed
Free State Agriculture (FSA) has welcomed the deployment of 48 additional vehicles made available by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure rural safety in the province.
Mixed reaction expected from agri sector to repo rate reduction
The decision by the South African Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee to lower the repo rate to 6,5%, down from 6,75%, will affect different role players in the agriculture value chain in different ways.
Jobs and safety to take centre stage in the Western Cape
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, delivered his maiden State of the Province address on Thursday, focusing on job creation and safety.
Water quality and quantity reach crisis levels
The billions of litres of raw sewage flowing into the country’s rivers daily has reached crisis levels, and pose a threat to the country’s agricultural exports, according to a water specialist.
‘Maintaining good biosecurity is vital for export growth’
Disease management remains a key aspect of South African agriculture, especially when it comes to livestock, as this industry is the greatest contributor to the sector, accounting for 51% of total production.
Double life sentences for farm attackers welcomed
The double life sentences recently handed down to six convicted farm attackers by the High Court in Vryheid have been welcomed by some role players in South African agriculture.
‘Agriculture department to focus on reform, market access’
The newly formed Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development under the leadership of Minister Thoko Didiza, is still in the process of assessing the various programmes and competencies that have to be incorporated into the new department.
OVK increases turnover despite ‘challenging conditions’
The agribusiness, OVK Group, has announced an increase of 8, 55% in turnover for the 2018/2019 financial year compared with the previous year.
No serious injuries reported after Astral chemical leak
A chemical leak at one of Astral’s processing plants in Olifantsfontein had resulted in the hospitalisation of 15 of the food manufacturer’s staff.
Ceres growers help drought-stricken Karoo farmers
A group of growers from Ceres recently made the journey to Sutherland to support the hardest hit growers in the drought-stricken Karoo.
Parliament must right land expropriation detour – Motlanthe
According to former president Kgalema Motlanthe, South Africa would not be able to build a thriving economy if private property rights became eroded.
Adapting climate smart adoption through trade
The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which was launched in July 2019 in Niger could help African countries with climate-smart agriculture adaptation through generating export earnings and accessing technologies.
‘Fresh produce markets must remain relevant’
Over the past 10 years, the fresh produce market value chain was estimated to have generated over R140 billion worth of turnover in the agriculture sector.
Portfolio committee condemns attack on farm manager
Disputes among land reform claimants and beneficiaries should be referred to existing formal land reform processes for arbitration, instead of parties resorting to violence.
SA winter fire season in full swing
The fire season is in full swing for the majority of South Africa, with dry conditions prevalent throughout the country.
Stolen maize costs Free State farmers millions
The plundering of maize lands in the Free State has become a massive problem for farmers in the region, leading to the loss of millions of rand.
Ostrich processors challenge CompCom merger prohibition
Two of South Africa’s largest ostrich processing and marketing companies, Klein Karoo International and Mosstrich, are contesting the Competition Commission’s (CompCom) decision taken earlier this year to prohibit their proposed merger.
Optimism about state-subsidised crop insurance scheme
There is cautious optimism that a government-subsidised crop insurance scheme will materialise in the near future, according to Jannie de Villiers, CEO of Grain SA.
