By Invitation

By Invitation

Are South Africa’s property rights at risk?

Retired judge, Antonie Gildenhuys, who served in the Land Claims Court for 15 years, explains the difference between expropriation and deprivation, and the principle of ‘just and equitable’ compensation. He says the Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights needs more resources.
Why-poultry-farmers-fail

Why poultry farmers fail

It’s no secret that most new entrants to poultry farming go bankrupt. Jan Grobbelaar, training director at Dumela Poultry Solutions, discusses common errors and how to avoid them.

Agriculture must address supply chain challenges

Craig Roberts, CEO of DHL Supply Chain MEA, says effective supply chain integration is vital to boost Southern Africa’s agriculture exports to the EU.

Play your part to curb stock theft

Role players in the SA livestock production sector have a decisive role to play in the prevention of stock theft. This was according to the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum chairperson Jaco Maré, who spoke at the 2014 RPO congress in Bloemfontein.

Wind farm poses a threat to the birds and beauty of the Karoo

A proposed wind farm on the Sneeuberg will imperil the iconic endangered blue crane, many bird species and the entire local ecosystem, warns the Nama Karoo Foundation’s Marina Beal.

Veld fires – why we need to know more

Much more research is required to understand the effect of fire on Africa’s savannas, according to Prof Winston Trollope, a fire ecologist and Working on Fire International associate. Trollope’s recommendations, contained in the Grassland Society of Southern Africa’s 2014 congress publication, centre on the use of fire as a management tool for livestock production and wildlife management.

Citrus ban still a risk unless all stakeholders take action

The EU’s threat to ban South African citrus should serve as a wake-up call for all parties involved, says Zhann Meyer, Africa Head, Global Commodity Finance at Nedbank Capital.
How to promote effective land reform in South Africa

How to promote effective land reform in South Africa

Michael Lyne, associate professor at New Zealand’s Lincoln University and honorary professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, recently presented the 2014 FR Tomlinson Memorial Lecture to the Agricultural Economics Association of SA. Here are excerpts pertaining to land reform.

Land reform proposal: a disaster in the making

Minister Nkwinti’s radical 50:50 land reform proposal will put food security at risk and lead to increases in prices, interest rates and inflation, according to Grain SA chairperson Louw Steytler.

Small farmer, big problem

Theoretical ideas about growing the smallholding agricultural sector sound uncomfortably like trying to re-invent the wheel, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Small-scale farmers can contribute to food security

Some commentators might believe otherwise, but SA’s policymakers need to focus on small-scale farming. It’s pivotal to the sustainability of the country’s economy, says Nico Groenewald, Standard Bank’s head of agribusiness.

Hunting is not poaching

Repressing hunting will only increase poaching, says Adri Kitshoff, CEO of the Professional Hunters’ Association of SA.

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