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FAO launches 2012 "State of Food and Agriculture" report
 The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) his past week launched the 2012 'State of Food and Agriculture' report. This report calls for a new investment strategy that puts agricultural producers at its centre and focuses public resources at all levels on the provision of public goods and the creation of an enabling environment for investment by farmers. It calls upon governments at all levels and their development partners to channel both public and private investment towards activities that yield higher returns for society. All agricultural investors and rural businesses need good governance, macro-economic stability, rural infrastructure, secure property rights and effective market institutions in order to mobilize the resources and assume the significant risks that investing in agriculture entails. Given certain recent nonsensical policy statements, and with the ANC's Mangaung Conference looming, politicians and policy writers would do well to heed the advice and warnings of the FAO.
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BUSA Rejects the New Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Grant Regulations
 BUSA does not support the new SETA Grant Regulations. The new Regulations and in particular the proposed further reduction of mandatory grant goes against the spirit of the Skills Development Act which advocates work place training. These new Regulations are a blow to occupationally relevant skills training and put the whole skills environment at risk. Click here to read the full media statement»
Futher reading:
(Media statement from the Department for Higher Education and Training).
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BUSA says ESKOM tariff application can be reduced
 In its detailed submission to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on ESKOM's application for the third Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD3), BUSA believes that the requested average tariff could be lower - at least as low as 10.8% instead of 16% - and still be cost-reflective. If more detailed information had been provided it might have been possible to find further savings. According to research commissioned by BUSA, an accelerative price path, at a lower rate, can be achieved without negatively impacting on supply security. These electricity price shocks now have significant adverse economy-wide impacts. Download media statement»
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Make sure of demand, aquaculture project warned
 Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies needed to ensure that there was a potential growth market for the fish products that would be produced by the fish farming initiatives launched at the weekend, Agbiz's said on Monday. This appeal by Agbiz follows the launch of the aquaculture development and enhancement programme announced on Sunday the The dti and DAFF. Read Business Day article» |
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Crop insurance in developing economies - the insurers' and reinsurers' perspective
 Appropriate risk management tools for agriculture will be a key challenge for agricultural development in the future. One of these - crop insurance systems - has been successfully implemented in the last decades, mostly however in industrialised countries. To introduce them in developing countries and emerging markets too, a system approach is needed incorporating a public-private partnership between the government, the farmers and the insurance industry. Please peruse the linked Crop insurance in developing economies - the insurers' and reinsurers' perspective for further information.
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FEWS NET's Price Watch Report
 Please find attached FEWS NET'S
November 2012 Price Watch Report and Annexes reporting on October food prices.
The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) monitors trends in staple food prices in countries vulnerable to food insecurity. The Price Watch provides an update on trends in selected urban centers. Prices trends for key reference markets and commodities are made available in the Price Watch Annexes. |
Werksmans Attorneys - Legal Brief
 In this newsletter:
* Tax amendments - 2012.
* Perennial protests, industrial action and the risks to the security of energy supply.
* Legal representation at the CCMA - a constitutional right?
* Shortening the competition law value chain.
* No preferential creditor status for SARS in a business rescue.
* Proposals pave the way for retail hedge funds. Read newsletter online» |
Cochran Fellowship Program for 2013
 The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is seeking eligible candidates throughout South Africa to participate in the Cochran Fellowship Program for 2013. The programme produces short-term U.S.-based food and agricultural training for senior and mid-level specialists and administrators from public and private sectors involved with agricultural trade, agribusiness development, management, policy, and marketing. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2013. Click for more information and the application form.
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Monsanto launches "Dis mos Boerdery" board game
On 6 December 2012 Monsanto launced the "Dis mos Boerdery ™" board game. The purpose of this board game is to entertain, but at the same time educate and enlighten the wider public, children and adults alike, about agriculture. Farmers and families, as well as the general public, can get to know this product and learn in a fun way how to farm.
On the photo Kobus Lindeque, Area Lead Monsanto Africa; Magda du Toit, Communication Manager, Monsanto Africa; Gert Heyns, Marketing Manager Seed and Biotech South Africa and Kobus Steenekamp, Country Lead, South Africa. |
Zambia Copperbelt Mining and Agricultural Show 2013
29 May - 2 June 2013 | Kitwe | Zambia Closing date for complete applications is 30 November 2012
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As the final Agbiz newsletter of the year we want to wish all of you a happy and restful festive season.