Didiza refuses local triple-stacked GM maize seed release
Reactions have been mixed to news that South Africa’s minister of agriculture Thoko Didiza has upheld previous refusals to allow the general release of Bayer’s triple-stacked genetically modified (GM) maize seed technology for production in the country.
Most farm attacks in Free State farms occur over weekends
Most farm murders and attacks in the Free State over the past six months have occurred on or near weekends, according to Dr Jane Buys, a security risk analyst at Free State Agriculture (FSA).
Thabethe did not want investigators to meet Estina alone
Former HOD of the Free State department of agriculture Peter Thabethe was questioned by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Friday about why he was not willing to give permission for National Treasury investigators to meet with Estina role players.
Below-average rainfall spells tough season ahead for Western Cape
Large parts of the Western Cape are still not out of trouble after the 2019 rainy season, and will have to face yet another tough year. This was according to Jannie Strydom, the CEO of Agri Western Cape.
Seed potato farmers warned about devastating potato disease
Seed potato growers attending the recent biannual Potatoes South Africa Seed Potato Growers’ Forum in Cape Town were warned about the potentially devastating effect that resistant black dot disease could have on the quality and quantity of their crops.
Environmental literacy key to securing a sustainable future
Creating environmental awareness will require partnerships with various stakeholders, including agriculture role players.
‘Welfare a government priority for live sheep exports’
Eastern Cape and national state veterinary authorities and department of agriculture officials will not allow the planned export of approximately 61 000 live sheep to Kuwait via ship until they are satisfied all welfare requirements are met before and during the voyage.
‘Biltong must secure geographical indication’ – economist
Biltong is of strategic importance to the South African economy. This was according to Joseph Kau, an agricultural economist at the Agricultural Research Council.
Pet owners urged to vaccinate against rabies
All efforts to control the deadly viral disease of rabies are based on vaccination, hence the theme of this year’s annual World Rabies Day: ‘Rabies: vaccinate to eliminate”. This is according to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC).
‘High-end’ properties not the target of expropriation – Mahlati
About 60% of South Africans do not have tenure of their land, and according to Dr Vuyo Mahlati, president of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA), radical correction steps need to include expropriation without compensation.
‘Conservation efforts of private rhino owners ignored’
Private rhino owners have expressed disappointment that their conservation efforts receive little recognition or support, despite the fact that more than half of South Africa’s white rhinos and more than 35% of black rhinos are privately owned.
‘Agriculture must stop chemical warfare against insects’
Insects should be considered partners, not pests, and South Africa’s farmers need to end the ‘chemical warfare’ against insects such as dung beetles.
High food price inflation leaves poor consumers in the lurch
Annual food price inflation reached its highest level for the past 18 months in August, with the biggest year-on-year increase seen in the price of special maize meal.
Marginal uptick in South Africa’s agribusiness confidence
South Africa’s agribusinesses are slightly more optimistic about current business conditions in South Africa.
‘Growing the agri value chain through partnerships’
Partnership linkages are required throughout the agricultural value chain to ensure that the sector contributes to the growth of the economy.
‘No clarity on gun licences for the foreseeable future’
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has referred the draft notice declaring an amnesty on firearms back to Police Minister Bheki Cele for reconsideration.
SA farmers concerned about live cattle exports from Botswana
The South African Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) has expressed serious concern about the announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture in Botswana that the country will be opening its borders to live cattle exports with immediate effect.
‘Land to be restituted, not redistributed’ – Mabuza
The 278 parcels of land mentioned by Deputy President David Mabuza during follow-up questions in a National Council of Provinces session in Parliament on Wednesday were intended for restitution purposes, not redistribution.
Farm murders down, but stock theft on the increase – SAPS
“Although [the current] farm murder rate is among the lowest recorded in the past few years, the reality remains that 47 murders are still 47 too many,” according to Tommie Esterhuyse, chairperson of Agri SA’s Centre of Excellence: Rural Safety.
SA’s Brahman council clamps down on ‘show-ring cheats’
The council of the Brahman Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa has condemned the actions of a small group of Brahman stud breeders, who allegedly altered the birthdates of some of their cattle to give them an unfair advantage in the show ring.
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