What’s the deal with food prices?
Farmers and producer organisations have expressed concern that while food prices are increasing at retail level they aren't receiving more for their products. Issue Date: 16 February 2007
Bioethanol may boost prices – but not for long
by Dr Koos Coetzee an agricultural economist at the MPO Issue Date 16 February 2007
Broad-brushing the scapegoat
TAU SA safety and security manager Chris van Zyl comments on the ire of commercial farmers resulting from recent statements made by the agriculture minister, and the discrimination farmers are...
New Record for fine wool
A new record price was achieved after some of the country's largest fine wool producers offered their clips on a sale which saw Cape Wools' overall indicator rise a marginal...
Two sides of the story
The furore between agricultural unions and land and agriculture minister Lulama Xingwana over her remarks on abuse of farmworkers has subsided - but not before relations ebbed to the point...
W Cape wheat farmers dispute transport differential
Western Cape producers have called on Grain to ask the Competition Commission to investigate the controversial transport differential and what they call “inexplicable” market trends. Issue date: 23 February 2007
Mixed reactions to Mbeki’s address
President Thabo Mbeki's State of the Nation address has received mixed responses from organised agriculture. Some organisations welcomed Mbeki's comments on crime and his promises to do more to fight...
North West agriculture fires 13 senior officials
The North West agriculture department has fired 13 of its senior officials for maladministration, mismanagement and contravention of government financial policies. Issue date: 23 February 2007
Expanding vistas beckon for SA wool
Current and projected prices for SA wool are some of the best in recent years, and reports indicate that the 98% of the country's export clip is achieving better international...
Legal turning point on land claims
In a ruling that could have major legal implications for farmers throughout South Africa, the Land Claims Court has ruled that officials have no right to expand a land claim...
Abuses on farms must stop – Xingwana
While acknowledging the efforts of many farmers who are working hard to empower disadvantaged groups, land and agriculture minister Lulama Xingwana has once again voiced her concern over the abuse...
3 000 sustainable jobs by 2015
A large-scale job-creation project is in the pipeline for rural communities who live around Komatiland forest plantations in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.Issue Date: 16 February 2007
Services overtake agriculture
Agriculture is no longer the world's main source of employment, a UN report has found. The Global Employment Trends 2007 report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) revealed that 40%...
Irrate farmer wants answers over lost sheep
Eastern Cape sheep farmer Billy Schoeman has expressed frustration at the lack of response from SANParks and the SA Police Service following his complaints that both he and his neighbour...
Perspective-Crops wither in dry, hot weather
Despite good pre-season rains in the western grain-producing regions of South Africa, a dry mid-season accompanied by very high temperatures and high winds are placing crops under stress.
Trend for wool market is positive
Although the market has seen a slight correction to the sharp price increase of wool, the Australian market has remained very firm and the underlying trend remains positive.
Grain SA calls on producers to attend regional meetings
Grain producers have been called on to attend Grain SA's regional meetings this month to help the organisation promote and ensure the sustainable and profitable production of grain in South...
Dairy companies to submit defences
Time is nearly up for the eight SA dairy-processing companies accused of anti-competitive behaviour to submit their defences to the Competition Tribunal.Issue Date: 16 February 2007
Pick ‘n Pay gets red light on buyout
The proposed acquisition of Fruit & Veg City by national retailer Pick 'n Pay has been put on hold by the Competition Commission. Issue Date: 16 February 2007
