By Invitation

South Africa’s growing cannabis industry and government’s active investment in production highlight the economic value it holds for the country. This has necessitated the introduction of legislation and a regulatory framework to ensure that the production and use of cannabis for private purposes are properly regulated. Nicolette van Vuuren and Jamie Jacobs, partner and associate, respectively, at Webber Wentzel, write.

This year’s Windaba conference will bring together industry leaders with the goal of exploring sustainable energy solutions and forging partnerships for a low-carbon future.

David Burton, sector director for African agriculture in the UK Department of Business and Trade, says the UK offers sovereign debt finance options to South African farming projects that invest in British technology.

Focus areas, goals and projects are in place to transform the red meat industry from a marginal surplus producer to a sustainable and competitive sector, writes Koos du Pisanie.

Willie Clack, senior lecturer in criminal justice at Unisa, and a farmer in North West, analyses statistics from the South African Police Service over the past 30 years to determine the trend in stock theft.

Len Dekker, senior director at law firm Len Dekker Attorneys, breaks down the recent Supreme Court of Appeal judgment that may be of interest to farmers.

Consumers and legislators in the EU are pushing for food production methods that neutralise carbon emissions. What impact will this have on food availability, costs, exports and imports? Lindi Botha asked Michaël Wilde, director of Bionext in the Netherlands, a body that represents the organic food industry.

Erence Manyako, researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Natural Resources and Engineering division, looks at available technologies to offset continuous load-shedding in South Africa.

Prof William Beinart shares insight into his fascinating book, 'The Rise of Conservation in South Africa, Settlers, Livestock, and the Environment 1770-1950', and the current state of the Karoo.

Local communities should be treated as valued stakeholders and sustainability partners in conservation and tourism, say Ian Gordon-Cumming and Prof Kevin Mearns of Unisa’s Department of Environmental Sciences.

Agriculture is South Africa has faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years, yet, for the most part, has survived the storms. In the 2023 Baseline Outlook for the agriculture sector, compiled by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, the next decade is purported to hold the key to future success.

South Africa’s agriculture industry could be propelled by the implementation of technological innovation and diversification, says Nomqhele Dube, analyst at strategic research, advisory and investment services company Birguid.