Proper planning can eradicate hunger in South Africa
With proper planning and production support, South Africa has the potential "for efficient domestic production and supply all year round," said agriculture minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson at the recent World Food...
Agriculture occupies central role in SA’s new growth plan
The agriculture value chain is one of six key sectors in the government's new growth plan recently endorsed during a special cabinet meeting.
Billions for green economy, biofuel, biomass production, energy management
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) approved R9,4 billion in funding last year, the second highest amount in the development fund's history, and IDC executives said they expect to disburse R100...
The secret’s in the sauce
This magnificent sauce requires one very serious kitchen skill: patience. The reduction process near the end is a slow one, but worth the wait. Begin by crushing and finely chopping...
R5 million allocated after Free State fires
The Free State agriculture department has allocated R5 million for disaster relief after the widespread veldfires in the province, but Free State Agriculture (FSA) is concerned that its members won't...
Dairy gives back to the community
Learners at selected schools around the country were treated to free dairy products on 12 October as part of the Milk Producers' Organisation (MPO) School Milk Day.
Emergency measures for adult mohair
The adult mohair indicator fell 9% to close at R70,85, despite emergency intervention from the industry at the fourth sale of the 2010 mohair winter season.
Rural safety plan finally launched
All resources that ensured a safe 2010 World Cup must now ensure the safety of rural dwellers. So said national police minister Nathi Mthethwa at the launch of the rural...
Maize-based biofuel vital for the survival of maize production
The exclusion of maize as a preferred feedstock in South Africa's biofuel strategy showed strategic short-sightedness and deprived the country of the opportunity to overcome current low maize prices, said...
‘We read Farmer’s Weekly in prison’
Farmer's Weekly recently had the privilege of chatting to President Jacob Zuma in arguably one of his favourite places in the world - his cattle kraal. While examining his cattle,...
Agriculture portfolio committee hammers new DG over annual report
Newly appointed Director General (DG) of the agriculture department Langa Zita remained largely silent when the 2009/10 annual report was tabled before the parliamentary portfolio committee - a tactic that...
Leaked Green Report considered slippery
Leaders in agriculture are treading warily around the final draft copy of the rural development and land reform Green Paper, which was leaked to the media recently.
Land reform without end
A striking fact about the leaked rural development and land reform Green Paper is the absence of any redistribution targets for white-owned land.
Agricultural parastatals deliver encouraging annual results
Three agricultural parastatals reported that they received unqualified audit reports for 2009/10 and members of parliament's agricultural committee seemed encouraged by the performance results presented in their annual reports.
Namibian minister intervenes in export spat
New developments in the tussle between forensic services contractor Agri Inspec and the heavyweights of Namibian meat production occurred when Agri Inspec's managing director, Dr Hennie Kleynhans, allegedly returned to...
Tailor-made insurance is safest, advises expert
Rising input costs and flat commodity prices mean farmers need to look at tailor-made risk management solutions, said Seamus Casserly, president of the Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (FIA).
Townies, not farmers, using banned pesticides
Many urban residents and gardeners, it seems, are still using the banned pesticides chlordane, dieldrin, DDT and chlorpyrifos, among others.
Welcome wet weather brings relief
Good rainfalls have offered some farmers relief from dry conditions. Rain was mostly concentrated over the eastern parts of the country with isolated rainfall over the central parts, said Grainvest...
Too late for the health of South Africa’s freshwater resources?
upmarket national retail chain Woolworths has denied nationwide media reports that it had gone on record with its concerns about the impact polluted irrigation water was having on its fresh...
Gordhan warns about global ‘trade wars’
The global battle between emerging and developed economies to keep national currencies low to boost exports and protect levels of employment, could result in "trade wars", said finance minister Pravin...
