Joemat-Pettersson berated for underperformance
The Auditor-General (AG) has given the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) an unqualified audit report, but has noted wasteful and irregular spending to the tune of R18,3 million.
EC gets new piggery training facility
Amadlelo Agri (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with the University of Fort Hare and Number Two Piggeries, is currently establishing a piggery training facility near Alice, Eastern Cape.
Farmers not uniquely targeted by criminals
Farmers are not more vulnerable to attacks on their farms than people living in the city, according to research by the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR).
KZN crime dips but farmers’ woes continue
According to police statistics for the period April 2011 to March 2012, crime levels in KwaZulu-Natal have declined.
Beware of the angry poor
High unemployment and empty promises from government have created a volatile population prone to violent protests.
Eastern Cape bamboo initiative up and running
A small co-operative, based near Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape, has been granted R2 million to develop a bamboo plantation.
Multibillion rand corruption confirmed
A forensic investigation commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) confirmed corruption worth billions of rand in the vessel management contract awarded to Smit Amandla Marine (Sam).
Africa takes bigger bite out of apple exports
South African apple exports into Africa are growing at a faster rate than anticipated – and although exports to the UK are declining, SA will not readily relinquish this important market.
Livestock producers welcome planned compulsory service for new vets
South Africa’s established and emerging red meat producers have applauded a recently tabled bill that, if approved, will make it compulsory for newly qualified vets and para-veterinary professionals to engage in community service for 12 months.
Higher SA maize yield puts prices under pressure
With over 1,1 million tons more maize expected from South Africa’s 2011/2012 crop than for the preceding season, local prices have been put under pressure.
Over R3,6 billion paid to farmers in 2011/2012
The recent increase in Joburg Market’s turnover in the 2011/2012 financial year means farmers who utilise the market to sell their produce received at total of R3,6 billion.
Algal blooms pose threat to agriculture
With summer ahead, the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has warned of the high risk of excessive algal blooms and water hyacinth in a number of eutrophic and hyper-eutrophic dams.
GM health safety questioned
Claims by French researchers that genetically modified (GM) maize causes cancer have been refuted by the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa).
SA far from reaching biofuels target
Government recently announced the mandatory blending of biofuels with fossil fuels, saying that at least 5% of biodiesel had to be added to all regular diesel.
Fresh action taken to fill the gap in stock theft units
There are at least 92 vacancies in police stock theft units in KwaZulu-Natal alone.
WHO proposals threaten 10 000 SA tobacco jobs
The South African tobacco farming sector stands to lose about 10 000 jobs if the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) proposals are passed.
Joemat-Pettersson still on a ‘suspending’ spree
Agricultural minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson has caused ructions within her department by suspending two more staff members.
Farmers need more tariff support
Members of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries expressed dismay at the perceived advantage farmers in trading countries have over South African farmers due to the subsidies and tariff protection their governments provide.
Hot branding of equines continues in SA
Despite hot branding of equines having largely been discontinued in Europe, the practice is still used by some horse owners in South Africa.
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