Appeal to drop import duty on oilseed
The SA Oil Processors’ Association (SAOPA) plans to make a formal application to have the 10% import tariff on edible oils reduced to make them more affordable to the poor.Issue...
Xingwana’s plan for food security
Agriculture minister Lulama Xingwana resolved to launch a campaign to mobilise farmers to plant more wheat in SA at the recent AgriBEE Showcasing in Cape Town. She also pledged her...
Not everyone agrees with rosy outlook for agriculture
The future of and unity within the agricultural industry, as well as worries concerning food security were hot topics at the AgriBEE Showcasing event at the Cape Town International Convention...
Sensitive approach for multi-products pipeline route
Zitholele Consulting, responsible for the independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Transnet’s approximately 525km-long Durban to Heidelberg New Multi-Products Pipeline (NMPP), have assured affected farmers along the pipeline’s proposed route...
KZN labour checks welcomed
Kwanalu has welcomed the labour department’s recent labour inspection drive that will focus on all KZN employers in the agriculture and forestry sector as they embark on the Occupational Health...
Mohair looks positive for season
The first sale the summer season kicked off in Port Elizabeth with a small amount of mixed mohair on offer. considerable amount of short hair was also offered, mainly due...
Government blamed for seed saving
The South African government has been blamed for wide-spread seed saving practices by the country’s commercial crop farmers. This comes in the wake of concerns raised by various stakeholders in...
Good rains lift spirits
Good summer rains have left SA agriculture optimistic overall, even though the economy finds itself in uncertain waters. The Agricultural Business Confidence Index, compiled by the Agricultural Business Chamber (ABC)/Independent...
Transport and infrastructure
The price of petrol and diesel is to increase by 11c/ℓ from 2 April. This includes a 6c/ℓ increase in the general fuel levy (a 5% increase in petrol tax...
Budget goes green
The 2008 budget takes concrete steps to protect the environment. The biodiesel fuel tax concession was raised from 40% to 50%. Bioethanol will remain outside the fuel tax net although...
Proactive land plan loses steam
Government’s Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (Plas), a flagship programme meant to fast-track flagging land redistribution, is being scaled back. Plas allowed provincial land reform offices to buy large numbers of...
