Strategic thinking in the agribusiness sector workshop
 Prof Hamish Gow (Massey University, New Zealand) leads the following workshop at the AEASA Conference: "Strategic thinking in the Agribusiness sector - Overcoming the challenges of the next 50 years". The workshop will be held on 3 October 2012 at the Education Auditorium of the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. Please diarise the date - it is an event not to be missed! More information»
|
Imperative Agri Unity Debate
 The current national debate for unity amongst South African farmer organisations and business will be highlighted and taken forward during an imperative agricultural unity debate at Agri Mega Week 2012 in Bredasdorp. This long awaited debate is interlocking ideally with One agriculture, one vision, the carefully selected theme for Agri Mega Week 2012.
The debate will be structured around a panel of agricultural leaders. Panel members who confirmed participation include Dr John Purchase (Agbiz), Johannes Moller (Agri SA), Cobus Dowry and Ismail Motala (USAAA), Thoko Didiza (School of Leadership - Unisa and former national Minister of Agriculture) and Louw Steytler (Grain SA). All farmers, the farming community, stakeholders and agricultural role players are invited to join for participation from the floor. Download media release»
|
World Economic Forum released latest Global Competitiveness Index
 The World Economic Forum's (WEF's) latest Global Competitiveness Index, released on Wednesday, 5 September 2012, revealed that South Africa dropped two places from 50th to 52nd out of 144 countries surveyed. The annual Global Competitiveness Report was first released in 1979 and has since evolved into the prime authority on relative competitiveness among most of the world's nations.
The Global Competitiveness Report's competitiveness ranking is based on the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), which was first developed for the World Economic Forum by Sala-i-Martin, a co-author of this year's report, in 2004. Defining competitiveness as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country, GCI scores are calculated by drawing together public and private data around 12 key categories - the pillars of competitiveness - that together make up a comprehensive picture of a country's competitiveness.
The report confirms that Africa's competitiveness has been improving in recent years, although the region continues to be characterized by wide regional disparities. South Africa (52nd) and Mauritius (54th) continue to lead the rankings in Africa. Please peruse the findings relating to South Africa on page 324 - 325 of the report. Download the report» |
Food price spikes will get worse as extreme weather caused by climate change devastates food production
 New research shows that the full impact of climate change on future food prices is being underestimated, according to international agency Oxfam. Oxfam's new report, Extreme Weather, Extreme Prices, highlights for the first time how extreme weather events such as droughts and floods could drive up future food prices. Previous research only tends to consider gradual impacts, such as increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.
Agbiz believes it is not just climate change that holds risks, but that the increased competition for resources, especially energy resources, medium and high potential arable land, and water, will further drive up food prices and cause increased volatility in food prices. Demand patterns, especially with regard to consumer behaviour, are also changing rapidly which further contributes to volatility as supply battles to keep up with demand. At issue is how to produce competitively and sustainably in the global agro-food jungle, given the highlighted risks. |
Dr Balyamujura co-opted as member of Agbiz ExCo
 The Executive Committee (ExCo) of Agbiz decided to co-opt Dr Hans Balyamujura as member of the Committee. Dr Balyamujura is the General Manager AgriBusiness Frontline and Africa, AgriBusiness, Absa Retail and Business Bank.
The other ExCo members are Mr Schalk Pienaar (Chairperson), Dr Tobias Doyer (Deputy Chairperson), Mr Willie du Plessis and Mr Danie Marais. Dr John Purchase, Chief Executive Officer of Agbiz, serves on the Executive Committee as ex officio member. |
Electronic Busa Bulletin
In EBB this month:
* BoT breakfast with Minister Malusi Gigaba.
* The Revised BBE Codes of Good Practice.
* First US-SA Business Conference.
* The Draft WEGE Bill (NEDLAC).
* SA-European Trade Relations.
* Anti Corruption Updates.
Please click here to download the EBB» |
USAID Trade Hub Newsletter for August
Please click here to download the latest newsletter from the USAID Southern Africa Trade Hub. |
Tender Opportunity
Uganda
SECTOR: Agriculture
DEADLINE: 18 October 2012
POSTED: 29 July 2011
PROJECT: AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY AND AGRIBUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICES PROJECT (ATAAS)
TITLE: UPDATE - 29 August 2012 - Supply of tractors with implements.
More information» |
Agri Mega Week 2012
One Agriculture - One Vision
13 - 15 September 2012 | Bredasdorp
More information»
|
Trade and Investment Mission to Cameroon
22 September - 3 October 2012
More information |
Strategic Thinking in Agribusiness Workshop
3 October 2012 | Bloemfontein
More information» |
International PMA Fresh Summit 2012
26 - 28 October 2012 | Anaheim | California
More information»
|
11th GLOBAL G.A.P. SUMMIT
6 - 8 November 2012 | Madrid | Spain
Register by 31 August 2012 and SAVE up to 20%
More information» |
|
The Economist - Feeding the World Summit
15 - 16 November | Johannesburg Agbiz is proudly supporting The Economist - Feeding the World Summit. Members and contacts are offered an exclusive 15% discount to attend if they register before 1 October 2012. More information» |
