Believe it or not, farmers frequently find it more difficult to manage a good year than a bad one.
When it comes to high food inflation we need to look at the retail sector’s dominance of the supply chain if we’re to set matters right.
Farming is a risky business, but the rewards for those prepared to take the plunge are great.
At some stage, most successful farmers have taken a big risk and borrowed more than the calculations showed that they should – and you’ll invariably find this resulted in fast...
A recent FAO report clearly shows the huge role agriculture can play in reducing poverty and hunger and promoting stability. However, this will need pro-active action by government.
A recently released survey clearly shows that while agriculture isn’t a highly profitable business, farm workers’ wages increased by 24% per capita in 2011.
Commercial agriculture’s survival amid political uncertainty depends on South Africa’s people. If we keep our stories to ourselves, we won’t win the public’s sympathy and support.
The global economic outlook has worsened and the risks of a meltdown are high – so now is not the time for high-risk ventures.
Agriculture has largely relied on retailers to inform consumers. Unfortunately this has created serious misconceptions about farming and food production.
Higher food prices are on the way, but government can do a lot to mitigate their effect on consumers.
Despite what some believe, farmers don’t create food inflation – often they actually absorb price increases.
Maybe it’s time government provided unused tribal and state-owned land for commercial farmers to produce food.
