By Invitation

By Invitation

Farmers – No more wishful thinking!

South Africa should engage urgently in a national debate on food production, and farmers should take heed of global food requirements in order to embrace production opportunities, says Prof Louise Fresco of the University of Amsterdam.

Going against the grain

In a country of naysayers and prophets of doom, Grain SA members are positive about the future and dedicated to transformation, says Grain SA CEO Jannie de Villiers.

Get your own house in order, South Africa!

Government’s new regulations for the importation of cattle, sheep and goats are misguided and unrealistic, says Mecki Schneider, chairperson of the Namibian Livestock Producers’ Organisation.
Solar systems: fixing future energy costs

Solar systems: fixing future energy costs

Although South Africa’s electricity prices are low by international standards, they are set to increase annually by 8% over five years. Gregor Kuepper, managing director of SolarWorld Africa, believes that solar energy will be crucial to meeting our energy needs.

How science & technology can benefit SA agriculture

The Department of Science and Technology’s recently released Bio-Economy Strategy outlines research and development initiatives for South African agriculture. A summary follows.

The future for small-scale farmers

Josh Becker, CEO of Impele Consulting Group, offers advice on how small-scale farmers in Africa can be assisted to modernise their farming practices.

Research will put more food on SA’s table

A South African study into the benefits of research proves that research and development is vital to a robust agricultural sector. ARC economist Aart-Jan Verschoor reports.

Reforming land reform

Land restitution in SA is currently concentrated on the issue of the ‘formerly dispossessed’. This is a recipe for disaster. The focus should be on food security and using land to its maximum economic potential, says TAU SA’s Danie du Plessis.

Africa is on the rise – are you?

Agri-business consultant, Peter Hughes, urges South Africans to set aside their entrenched biases and embrace Africa’s great economic turnaround.

‘FARE’ solutions for Western Cape agri woes

Income tax incentives for farmers providing housing to workers, and greater protection for farm workers’ rights, are some of the recommendations made in a report aimed at finding solutions to problems facing the agricultural sector in the Western Cape. The report has been compiled by a multi-stakeholder initiative, consisting of the Future of Agriculture and the Rural Economy process.

Skills training is available

An agricultural skills training model is ready, but government take-up is not forthcoming, says education expert Dr Raymond Sparrow.

Botswana’s hunting ban fallout

Hans Vermaak, president of the Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (Phasa), explains why he is worried about Botswana’s looming hunting ban.

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