South Africa

Despite the debate about expropriation without compensation and the economic impact thereof on the agriculture sector, there is still demand for agricultural land in South Africa, according to Karl Markram, CEO of Farm Expert Properties and Auctioneers.

Commercial maize production during the 2017/2018 season will total 12,93 million tons, 2,09% down from the previous estimate, according to the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC).

Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana has decried the squandering of resources by retaining officials in the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) at inflated salaries.

There has been a decline in the number of rhinos being poached in South Africa, with 508 falling victim to poachers in the year ending 31 August 2018, compared with 691 killed during the preceding period, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

Two recent court rulings on commonages have outlined the rights of those using the areas, as well as the responsibilities of official custodians.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government has reprioritised funding towards an economic stimulus package that would focus on agriculture, among other sectors.

Fire officials in the Free State expressed hope that the forecast of rain for the weekend could bring some relief for those battling fires across the province, which had already claimed one life.

Following an almost 15 year legal battle between Omnia Fertilizer and South Africa’s Competition Commission (CompCom), the fertiliser company has agreed to pay a R30 million “administrative penalty” for engaging in anti-competitive practices.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has formally requested the Department of Health and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to consider the necessary legislative amendments to allow for the commercialisation of hemp in South Africa.

The Automobile Association of South Africa is forecasting record increase in fuel prices for October, including a possible R1,38/litre increase in the wholesale diesel price.

Heinrich Kruger, chairman of the agri NWK board, ascribes the company’s positive financial results to its staff’s dedication and hard work.

The East-Asian polyphagous shot hole borer (Euwallacea sp. nr fornicates) has been discovered in pecan trees in Hartswater, Northern Cape, according to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

Nation in Conversation, an agricultural discussion platform, will broadcast live from the first-ever Nampo Cape event at Bredasdorp Park, Overberg from 12-14 September 2018.

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) have agreed on the need to relook how milk is consumed in the province and South Africa as a whole.

Tractor sales in South Africa recovered well in 2017 after a slump in 2016 due to the widespread drought, but the current political and economic climate could affect sales during the latter part of 2018.

All stakeholders in South Africa’s livestock production value chain must urgently put their heads together to re-strategise the country’s approach to tackling rampant stock theft.

Agri SA has requested an “urgent meeting” with the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, following the release of national crime statistics on Tuesday.

A study published in the journal Fire Ecology by a research team from Stellenbosch University, Nelson Mandela University, SANParks and the CSIR, shows that the invasion of surrounding land by invasive pine trees significantly increased the severity of the 2017 Knysna wildfires.

A large group of farmers and members of Agri SA, met ANC delegates in Pretoria on Friday to voice their concerns about the expropriation of land without compensation.

With data on agricultural production being both dated and skewed towards higher-end commercial agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Statistics South Africa have launched a campaign to gather more information about smallholder farmers in the country.