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Agbiz CEO addresses Mazungumzo, the African Forum in Brussels
 Mazungumzo, the African Forum in Brussels, hosted a Round Table at the Palais d'Egmont, Salle Orange in Brussels, on the topic: Will the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA's) help Africa to feed itself?
While South African agricultural trade is regulated by the Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA), negotiations are underway to replace the TDCA with the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). More than 30% of South African agricultural exports, with a value in excess of R16 billion, is exported to the European Union (EU) annually. The SADC/SACU Economic Partnership Agreement is supposed to replace the TDCA by the end of the year, but to date the EPA negotiations have for various reasons not progressed satisfactorily and this is a major concern to the agribusiness industry.
Dr Purchase also held fruitful discussions with key role players and senior officials within the European Commission on agricultural trade. For more information please contact Dr John Purchase at email: john@agbiz.co.za |
Increased productivity and a more sustainable food system will improve global food security OECD and FAO publish new Agricultural Outlook
Please find linked an OECD press release marking the launch of the latest OECD and FAO Agricultural Outlook. The Outlook stresses the need for increased productivity, and recognizes that the private sector will play the lead role in agriculture going forward. The report therefore recognises the need to build the right enabling environment for private investment, while governments should also encourage better agronomic practices, create the right commercial, technical and regulatory environment and strengthen agricultural innovation systems (e.g. research, education, extension, infrastructure), with attention to the specific needs of smallholders. |
SOUTHERN AFRICA Food Security Outlook
 This report provides an update to the May 2012 FEWS NET Food Security Outlook report which estimated food security conditions in Southern Africa through September 2012.
Download report by clicking here»
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BUSA: A case for an interest rate cut soon
 The BUSA Economic Policy Committee reviewed the economic and business outlook at its meeting last week, with special reference to the global economy.
It noted that in a sign of growing concern about deteriorating global economic prospects, various countries had taken further steps recently to ease monetary policy. This suggests there may now be a tipping point for monetary policy in SA, where the repo rate has remained unchanged at 5.5% for nearly two years. Read more» |
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Boost your savings after harvest time
 It is important for every farmer to have some money saved for the future. An even more important reason to save is for unforeseen events, which can negatively impact the farm's operations and profitability. How much you actually save will depend mainly on the income potential of the farm and how well expenses associated with generating this income are managed. Click here to download the Standard Bank media release»
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NAMC Fruit Trade Flows Report, June 2012
 In this issue of the Fruit Trade Flow, the focus is on the performance of the subtropical fruit industry, on both local and export markets. A preview of the citrus seasons that is currently underway is also discussed. The trends in fruit and vegetables production, export and domestic sales are also reviewed covering the period between 1996 and 2011. Download report by clicking here»
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BUSA Parliamentary NewsWatch
In this Parliamentary NewsWatch:
 Parliament Now: Updates on public hearings scheduled on Electricity Distribution, the Co-operatives Amendment Bills and the Legal Practice Bill;
Protecting Personal Data - Parliament gets closer to passing the Protection of Personal Information Bill;
Labour Amendments - BUSA prepares to represent Business at forthcoming hearings on Labour Amendment Bills;
How Laws are Passed - We explain the parliamentary process of enacting legislation;
Bills@Parliament - An updated list of all Bills tabled at Parliament. |
Export of maize and Citrus Fruit to China
- Protocol on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures Requirements
 South African and Chinese governments have recently reached an agreement on the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) requirements protocol of South African export of Maize and Citrus fruit to China. The protocol pertains only to phytosanitary requirements. Other standards and requirements regarding food and feed safety quality also apply to South Africa, but are outside the scope of this protocol. Click the links for more information:
Protocol of Phytosanitary requirements for the export of maize»
Protocol for export of fresh citrus fruit»
Please do not hesitate to contact Herbital Maluleke at e-mail Herbital@agbiz.co.za or tel: 012 807 6686 for clarity. |
Singapore and Taiwan Trade Mission 26-30 August 2012
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), in partnership with the South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), will lead a trade mission to Taiwan and Singapore from 26th - 30th August, 2012. The trade and investment mission to Taiwan and Singapore is to develop new business partnerships as well as grow pre-existing ones through introducing South African businesses to potential investors, importers and exporters. Sector focus (but not limited to): Financing; Agro-processing/agriculture; Automotive/parts; Minerals/mining; Chemicals/ petroleum products.
In each country, South African business will have the opportunity to present their products and services to government agencies, business associations and direct businesses. There will be ample networking opportunities as well as time to pursue your one-on-ones.
The mission, which coincides with the "Africa Singapore Business Forum", will begin with a stop in Taiwan on Monday, 27th August, followed by a two day stay in Singapore from 29th - 30th August.
Please indicate your interest to Mpumie Mabaso at Mpumelelo.mabaso@busa.org.za or at 011 784 8000by 20th July. |
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Eight PMR Africa Awards for GWK
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Mr Gerhard Henning (GWK Retail Manager, Kimberley).
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GWK was honoured with PMR Arrow awards in eight catagories at the recently held annual PMR (Professional Management Review) Award Ceremony. These awards are a culmination of a research process whereby companies and institutions are rated based on respondents' perceptions with a strong focus on evaluating and measuring customer service and customer satisfaction. GWK received awards in the following categories:
* Abbatoirs (Diamond Award).
* Grain handling (Diamond Award).
* Livestock (Golden Award).
* Wine estate goods (Golden Award).
* Supplier of agricultural equipment and products (Golden Award).
* Tractor and farming implement agencies (Golden Award).
* Corporate social responsibility, inisiatives and investment (Diamond Award).
* Outstanding service and contrubution to economic growth and development (Diamond Award).
Lees volledige artikel in Afrikaans»
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Agri-Food Career & Bursary Fair
Sustainable Food for Life
22 - 23 August 2012 | University of Pretoria
More information |
Agri Mega Week 2012
One Agriculture - One Vision
13 - 15 September 2012 | Bredasdorp
More information»
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International PMA Fresh Summit 2012
26 - 28 October 2012 | Anaheim | California
More information»
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