Who’s educating consumers?
Ill-informed consumers who demand less crop protection chemicals and have irrational fears of genetically modified food are a risk to farmer’s survival. Who is taking responsibility to ensure that the truth about food is getting to the consumer, asks Lindi van Rooyen.
To life!
Oh, the joy of the first springs rains after a dark, cold winter!
The latest South African scenarios
South Africa could go down a number of paths in the next five years. Strategist and author Clem Sunter outlined these
scenarios at the recent PestBiz congress in Durban.
Should meat be on the menu?
Australian agricultural journalist David Mason-Jones addresses
what every farmer and environmentalist needs to know about livestock and global warming in his recently published book, Should Meat Be on the Menu?
How much more can we take?
“South African agriculture is a healthy, vibrant industry, and will remain so if we only keep the politicians and politics out of the business.
Where does the NDP fit into NDR?
During a recent parliamentary debate on the National Development Plan, IFP leader and founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi criticised the government over its eagerness to draw up plans for development
that are unlikely to be implemented.
Ethics and transformation as marketing tools
Compliance with transformation and ethical codes in agriculture has become a very costly exercise – but it appears that consumers and, especially, retailers are increasingly supporting compliant producers. Phil Bowes, transformation manager for the South African Table Grape Industry, explains how this is playing out for the fruit sector.
Shame on you, Mpumalanga!
What the hell were officials from Mpumalanga’s department of agriculture thinking when they left Drakensberger stud animals at its research facility near Ermelo without food and water?
Farming for the urban rich
Many a successful businessperson or professional is turning to farming these days. Veteran agricultural journalist George Nicholas thinks he knows why.
Horror in the Free State
The Free State is in mourning. We’re all grieving about the nearly 185 000ha that’s been destroyed by veld fires in the province so far this season.
Food safety compromised by lack of glyphosate tests
South Africa is unable to conduct proper tests for glyphosphate residues on food – and until this capacity exists, glyphosate should not be allowed in food production, says Mariam Mayet, director of the African Centre for Biosafety.
A lifetime of waiting – in vain
In this open letter to Minister Gugile Nkwinti, farmer Gideon Morule argues that government land policy aimed at blacks is as oppressive as apartheid laws.
