Agri-Sector Unity Forum position on labour unrest
 The Agri-Sector Unity Forum (ASUF) met on 9 January 2013 to determine the way forward following the continuation of labour unrest in the Western Cape. ASUF again confirmed its position on the unprotected, illegal and violent strikes. Please carefully peruse the linked press statement released on 10 January 2013. Agri-sector Unity Forum position on labour unrest
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Agbiz Outlook 2013
 Following on the mixed but relatively positive outcomes for business from the ANC's 53rd National Elective Conference held in Mangaung late in 2012, as well as the last minute 'fiscal cliff deal' in the USA, a sense of optimism suddenly swept into the local economy as we entered 2013. This optimism was confirmed by a 5% strengthening of the Rand against major currencies over the following three week period, while the JSE All Share Index broke through the 40 000 mark for the first time and climbed more than 2% on the first day of trade in 2013. But is this bullish sentiment realistic and sustainable, and are we correctly factoring in the economic and political fundamentals, both locally and globally? And what will be the impact on the South African agribusiness environment? Please click Agbiz Outlook 2013 for full document.
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AgriBEE Sector Code approved and gazetted
 The AgriBEE Charter Council, together with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), have announced the finalisation of the AgriBEE Sector Code in terms of section 9 (1) of the BBBEE Act, 2003 (Act No. 53 of 2003). The AgriBEE Sector Code was approved by the Minister of Trade and Industry on 11 December 2012 and published on 28 December 2012 in the Government Gazette as Gazette Number 36035 (Notice 1065 of 2012). Please click here to peruse. The AgriBEE Sector Code is effective from the date of publishing and is applicable to all enterprises which derive the majority of their income within the agricultural sector and agro-food value chain. The thresholds for Exempt Micro Entereprises (EME's) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE's) are still the same as for the currently applicable generic Codes of Good Practice (CoGP). The thresholds, both for the AgriBEE Sector Code and the Generic CoGP, are however under review.
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Reminder: AgriBEE Threshold Review Study
 Since the AgriBEE Sector Code was published last month and since AgriBEE implementation is now mandatory, it is critical that all agribusinesses participate in the AgriBEE Threshold Review study. AgriBEE Threshold Review Study has significant relevance to the clients of agribusiness as the majority of farmers will fall within these two categories and a major shift in these thresholds will affect their ability to achieve a suitable level of compliancy, as well as have a cost factor to their business. The study is directed at gathering real and relevant agricultural economic data. More information»
If you prefer to print out the linked survey and fill it in, you are welcome to fax it 021 814 2175 for the attention of Marli Oostenbrink at PwC. |
BUSA Parliamentary Submission on Employment Equity Amendment Bill and Employment Services Bill
 While BUSA has agreed to a significant number of amendments as proposed in the Employment Equity Amendment Bill (EE) and the Employment Services (ES) Bill to the Labour Portfolio Committee, there are some serious areas of concern which are adressed in BUSA's submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Labour regarding these two bills. Linked find BUSA's submission.
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Parliament approves Co-operative Amendment Bill
 The National Assembly approved the B-Version of the Co-operatives Amendment Bill (click on Redrafted Co-op Bill to peruse) on 22 November 2012. The Bill has now been submitted to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The following presentation was made by the dti to the Select Committee on Trade and International Relations: Presentation to Select Committees on Co-ops Bill. Agbiz analysis is that there are no major impediments in the revised Bill, but co-operative members are advised to peruse the approved Bill.
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Opportunity to work on energy solutions for agriculture in developing countries
 Millions of farmers and agribusinesses in developing countries do not have access to the quality clean energy services necessary for them to maximize agricultural productivity and value. To address this problem, USAID has partnered with the Government of Sweden and Duke Energy to create Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development. These Founding Partners are seeking ideas on how to integrate clean energy solutions within the agriculture sectors of developing countries.
Powering Agriculture is offering awards of between $300,000 and $1,500,000 for innovative, market-based, clean energy solutions for farmers and agribusinesses at all points along the agricultural value-chain- from growing, harvesting and processing to storing food.
Find linked a one-page document describing the program, as well as the solicitation itself. For further information visit the website: www.PoweringAg.org.
Note that applications will be accepted between 15 January and 6 February 2013. For more information contact Ms Lynn Schneider at email: lschneider@usaid.gov |
Call for Investment Proposals under GAFSP Private Sector Window
 The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) seeks proposals for sustainable projects that support agriculture, increase productivity in agriculture, and expand access to finance and markets. GAFSP supports private firms and financial institutions operating in eligible low-income countries. The deadline for the Call for Proposals is 31 January 2013.
For more information find linked a press release and a brochure with more eligibility details or visit http://www.gafspfund.org. |
Invitation to particiapte in the World Soybean Research Conference, 17-22 February 2013, Durban
 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) offer an opportunity for sponsorship to participate in the upcoming World Soybean Research Conference. They are looking to sponsor members from non-profit organisations, universities, and/or research institutions.
Candidates must review, complete and sign the linked application form from WISHH and send it via fax (27.12.342.2264) or via email as a PDF attachment to nicolas.rubio@fas.usda.gov, by Friday, 18 January 2013.
For more information on the World Soybean Research Conference please refer to the website http://www.wsrc2013.co.za |
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Invitation: Investor Roadshow to explore Agricultural Opportunities in Zambia, 24-28 February 2013
 Frontier Advisory will be leading a 5-day executive roadshow to Zambia to explore commercial opportunities in the agricultural sector. The roadshow is designed to introduce South African and international executives to leading decision-makers in the government and business sectors and to enhance the participants' ability to identify commercial opportunities in Zambia's agricultural sector. More information»
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FEWS NET Food Security Outlook Update
Please click here to read FEWS NET Southern Africa's January 2013 Food Security Outlook Update. |
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MnandiSA - For a better South Africa
MnandiSA emphasizes positive and successful actions and projects aiming to improve the lives of people in SA. In order to achieve this, MnandiSA compiles and processes positive news information from all over SA and distribute it free of charge to all of the media in the country, as well as through the social media and MnandiSA's own website: www.mnandisa.co.za.
MnandiSA invites prominent South Africans to become ambassadors of the organisation. They support the idea of spreading good news and are willing to live their own lives accordingly.
Dr John Purchase, Agbiz CEO, is an ambassador for MnandiSA. |
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For futher reading
Hub Happenings:
* The Trade Hub Welcomes a New Chief of Party
* Producing Better Peanut Exports
* A Closer Look at Textiles and Apparel
* Export Digest |
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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