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Agbiz participates in IFAMA 2013 World Forum and Symposium, Altanta
 Dr John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz and Mrs Lindie Stroebel, Agbiz Manager Economic Intelligence will be attending and participating in the IFAMA 2013 World Forum and Symposium from 16-20 June in Atlanta, USA. Dr Purchase will be participating in a discussion panel on "Towards 2050 - Scenarios for African agricultural development". Mrs Stroebel will be participating as a Co-Chair and judge during the IFAMA Student Case Competition. A Local Organising Committee, of which Agbiz serves as secretariat, will present a bid to host this exceptional conference in Cape Town, South Africa in June 2014.
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Agbiz presents at VinPro/Winetech Information Days
 Dr John Purchase presented on the Political Climate Scenario for South African Agriculture at the VinPro/ Winetech information days which were held recently in Kakamas and Upington respectively.
The following issues were addressed in his presenation:
* Post Mangaung: Impact on agriculture.
* Is the current regulatory environment an enabling environment that fosters investor confidence?
* National Development Plan: Common framework.
* AgriBEE Sector Code: now it's implementation.
* Land Reform: NAREG process vs NDP model.
* Labour unrest in sector, and wider.
Click here to peruse Dr Purchase's presentation»
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Position available at Agbiz for a Manager: International Trade and Investment Intelligence
 The position of Manager: International Trade and Investment Intelligence is currently available at Agbiz for a skilled person in the international agricultural trade and investment field to initiate and conduct relevant research in this regard, as well as to effectively and authoritatively communicate and operate at all levels of both the government and business sector. Closing date: 20 June 2013. More information»
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Does it matter whether SADC has a Tribunal?
- Tralac Newsletter
Gerhard Erasmus, Tralac Associate, discusses the ongoing suspension of the SADC Tribunal and the implications this has had for the region
In 2010 the SADC Summit decided to "suspend" the SADC Tribunal. The result is that since that time no state or private party entitled to standing before this forum can bring an application for the enforcement of rights provided for in any of the SADC legal instruments. This does not seem to bother the member states; they do in any case not litigate against each other. However, firms (which are the actual traders), service providers, business people and investors are in clear need for the protection of their rights. So are individuals employed by SADC institutions. Click to peruse the full article»
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BUSA Concerned at declining growth rate
 BUSA remains concerned at yet another decline in economic growth in 2013, as evidenced by the latest statistics for Q1 2013. Not unexpectedly, the manufacturing and agricultural sectors showed the biggest drop, and economic trends since then are unlikely to reverse the deteriorating outlook. Read media statement»
Stats SA Press statement
Real gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices increased by 0,9 per cent during the first quarter of 2013.
Stats SA Fact Sheet
Contributions of the annualised percentage change in seasonally adjusted real value added by industry to the annualised percentage change in seasonally adjusted real GDP.
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Statement of the Monetary Policy Committee - South African Reserve Bank
 The South African economy is facing a number of domestic challenges while headwinds from the fragile and uneven global recovery remain a constraint to growth. The uncertain and increasingly difficult labour relations environment continues to dominate the economic landscape, contributing to declining domestic and foreign investor confidence. The growing vulnerability of the economy to changes in sentiment has been reflected in the depreciating and volatile exchange rate, which was already under pressure from the widening deficit on the current account of the balance of payments. Although inflation is forecast to remain relatively contained, these factors have raised the upside risks to the outlook at a time of worsening real growth prospects. Click to read the statement»
Click to peruse the Monetary Policy Review»
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Property Valuation Bill
In August 2011, a green paper for land reform was published by the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform. Since then a National Reference group (NAREG) was established to work on various specific aspects brought about in the green paper. Agbiz was deeply involved with the NAREG process. Amongst the work done by the various working groups within NAREG, the Office of the Valuer General, as identified in the green paper was discussed and negotiated. In October 2012, a policy document, which was developed from that specific working group was presented to and approved by Cabinet.
Forthcoming from this above process, a new piece of legislation has been published for comments, being the Property Valuation Bill.
The Agbiz is in the process of constructing comments thereon. Members can peruse the Property Valuation Bill by downloading it here. Members are welcome to comment thereon. Kindly send comments to lindie@agbiz.co.za by 18 June 2013.
Click to peruse the Property Valuation Bill»
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Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill, 2013
Please find a copy of the Gazette Notice on the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill, 2013 linked. Consultation on the Bill will take place at National, Provincial and District Level. Agbiz members are requested to submit comments to the Agbiz office (admin@agbiz.co.za) by 18 June 2013. Click to peruse the Notice»
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Budget vote speech: Minister Gugile Nkwinti
 Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti delivered his budget vote speech in Parliament on 31 May 2013. The Minister
reported at the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme - the CRDP is gaining momentum and effectiveness and that it is working. The CRDP rolls out in three phases: Phase 1 is "meeting basic human needs", including food security; Phase 2 focuses on rural enterprise development; and Phase 3 focuses on rural industries supported by localised markets, credit facilities and infrastructure. Click to read Minister Nkwinti's budget vote speech»
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Budget vote speech: Minister Tina Joematt-Pettersson
 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister, Tina Joemat- Pettersson delivered her Budget Vote Speech in Parliament on 29 May 2013. Download budget vote speech»
Also linked is the address by the Minister during DAFF's Budget Vote Speech to the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town (11/06/2013). Click here» |
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Invitation for applications to South African Expos in China 2013
The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) will be hosting exhibitions and investment seminars in Xiamen at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) (8 - 11 September), Shanghai (10 - 11 September) and Beijing (12 - 13 September). Events will be held concurrently with selected sectors and applicants should indicate whether their preference would be to participate at the entire CIFIT or in Shanghai. All applicants will participate in Beijing. This is an opportunity for South African companies to explore the Chinese market and gain inroads into Asia. An invitation to apply is extended to South African firms and other exporters of products in the following sectors:
Agro-processing (fresh fruit, processed exotic meat, wine, canned foods), Capital equipment, Chemicals, Electro-Technical, Energy and Renewable Energy, Information Communication Technology, Infrastructure, Manufactured Products, Mining and Beneficiation, Plastics, Transport. The closing date for EMIA application forms is 14 JUNE 2013. For more information contact Makana Gerald Mandiwana at the Department of Trade and Industry, e-mail: MGMandiwana@thedti.gov.za
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The Fertilizer Society of SA Congress
19 June 2013 | Elangeni Hotel | Durban
Theme: The role of fertilizers and soil fertility in human nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa.
Enquiries: Leonč Joubert, Tel: (012) 349 1450, e-mail: leone@fssa.org.za
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2013 IFAMA World Forum
18-20 June 2013 |Atlanta, Georgia USA Early bird registrations end 1 May 2013
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Infrastructure Africa Conference
16 - 17 July 2013 | Sandton Convention Centre | Sandton
More information
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The Fertilizer Society of SA Symposium
12 August 2013 | CSIR International Convention Centre | Pretoria
Theme: Principles of fertilizer recommendations based on international norms.
Enquiries: Hermien Wouda, Tel: (012) 349 1450 or e-mail: hermien@fssa.org.za
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PMA Fresh Connections & Expo14-15 August 2013 | Lord Charles Hotel |Somerset West PMA Fresh Connections Conference & Expo Contact Marianne van der Laarse for information on PMA membership, sponsorships and the expo: mvanderlaarse@pma.com
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Potatoes South Africa Congress
10-12 September 2013
For more information contact Monica van der Merwe at 012 349 1906 or email: monica@potatoes.co.za
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Big Iron Farm Show 2013
10-12 September 2013 | Fargo North Dakota | USA
Visitors will get a chance to see U.S. farm machinery in use in the fields; and meet personally with equipment company owners, operators and farmers who use the equipment.
More information»
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AMT South African Agri Outlook Conference
30 September 2013 | CSIR Conference Center
Enquiries: 012 348 8344 or 27 12 361 2748 or email: minda@amtrends.co.za
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