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Agbiz comments on agriculture's negative growth rate in the 2nd quarter of 2013
RSG Geldsake yesterday interviewed Dr John Purchase, Agbiz CEO, on the negative growth rate of agriculture in the second quarter of 2013. Stats SA released the GDP figures for the second quarter of 2013 earlier this week. Click here to listen to the radio interview»
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Human capital must lead South African agriculture, says Karaan
- Fresh Fruit Portal.com
 The South African government has set its growth sights high under the nation's National Development Plan, announced in February of this year. By 2030, the policy seeks to double the current GDP growth rate to 5% and create 11 million jobs - many of which are expected to come from agriculture. However, University of Stellenbosch professor Mohammed Karaan questioned whether the nation would have the human capacity to build the sector and reach development goals.
Speaking at the Produce Marketing Association's (PMA) Fresh Connections: Southern Africa event recently, the agrisciences dean explained that this highly complex sector - marked by growth as well as social unrest - would provide one of the greatest areas of work potential, if it could develop its human capital. Read more»
Agbiz attended a Industry Workshop on Internships and Workplace Experience hosted by PMA on 13 August in Somerset West. One of the objectives of the PMA/PHI projects is to increase the number of internships and workplace experience. This workshop was organized by the PMA to arrive at a strategy to increase internships and workplace experience opportunities in the fresh produce industry. Feedback from participants included the importance of placing the right intern in the right position, induction programmes, project based internship programmes and evaluation sessions between mentor and intern.
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BUSA releases Annual Review 2012
 BUSA's Annual Review 2012 was released this week at the organisation's Annual General Meeting. In the review, BUSA President Mr Jabu Mabuza highlighted the critical importance for business to continue to engage with government and other social partners to find ways to collectively strengthen the economy. Dr John Purchase, Agbiz CEO, attended the meeting. Please click to peruse the review» |
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Agbiz congratulated newly appointed DG of DAFF
 Agbiz congratulated Professor Edith Vries on her appointment by Cabinet to the position of Director General within the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). In a letter to the DG, Dr John Puchase, CEO of Agbiz, assured her of Agbiz's support in her endeavours to ensure a vibrant and growing agricultural sector in South Africa.
Dr Purchase has requested a meeting with the DG within his position as Chairperson of the CEO Forum, to inform her on the history and importance of the forum. The CEO Forum is a forum of DAFF where DAFF meets regularly in a formal and structured manner with the key stakeholders in agriculture, forestry and fisheries in order to address strategic issues and matters impacting on industry.
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BUSA's submission on Carbon Tax
 The South African National Treasury recently tabled its latest carbon tax proposals. The policy paper lays out the details of a proposed carbon tax of R120 per metric tonne on emissions of carbon dioxide above suggested thresholds, with annual increases of 10% per year until 2019-20. The policy is expected to be implemented on 1 January 2015. Busa, of which Agbiz is a member, called on National Treasury last week to delay the introduction of the tax so that South Africa could devise an appropriate set of mitigation policies. Click to peruse BUSA's submission to the Portfolio Committee on the 'Carbon Tax Policy' and BUSA's PowerPoint presentation.
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BUSA Parliamentary NewsWatch
Read in this month's BPO Newsletter more about BUSA's submission on Carbon Tax and more:
- Updates on Bills
- The Future of World Trade
- Employment Equity
- Trade in Africa and
- All Bills at Parliament
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 "If you can't measure, you can't manage". This is the underlying reason why a national census and the credibility thereof is so important. Government strategic priorities in terms of budget spending, policy developments and social programmes are determined by findings from the census. Ample research is conducted using the demographic data of the country and business determine market targets and responses accordingly.
The total population of South Africa was 40,5 million in 1996, 44,8 in 2001 and 51,7 in 2011. This in itself indicate the enormous growth in numbers of people, who needs to eat, drink and cloth themselves - reflecting directly as the demand for agricultural products. Accordingly, different cultural groups have different culinary preferences, which directs the supply response of products according to the growth of the specific groupings. And it goes on and on....
Please click the links for the details of the Census 2011 highlights, as well as the statistical release, to use, amongst other reasons, for market planning and position. More information»
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Production forecast for summer crops and winter cereals
 The seventh production forecast for summer crops for 2013 as well as the revised area estimate and first production forecast for winter cereals for the 2013 were released earlier this week. Click to download»
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 Presentation on restitution
The Land Claims Commissioner, Ms Nomfundo Gobodo, briefed the Ad Hoc Committee on Coordinated Oversight on the Reversing the Legacy of the Native Land Act. Download presentation» |
SASOL Agriculture Trust - International Exposure
 The Sasol Agriculture Trust has identified the need for larger international exposure of the agricultural industries in South Africa. Particularly aspects like Conservation Agriculture (CA), proper plant disease control and value addition are key focus areas that could enable farmers to achieve sustainable and profitable production and improve their livelihoods through the application of current and proven research and production principles. One of the objectives of the Trust is to allocate scholarships to MSc and PhD students to train at acceptable international institutions, in order to create a critical group of trained professionals within the South African soybean industry.
The following links are available to download:
Sasol International Expert Courses»
Sasol scholarships for studies abroad»
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Biggest undercover Fynbos Expo ever
1 800 wildflower species at Cape Floral Kingdom Expo
The biggest undercover Fynbos Expo ever awaits flower watchers, nature lovers, botanical role players, and photographers at the first ever Cape Floral Kingdom Expo (CFKE) from Thursday, 29 August 29 until Sunday, 1 September 2013. At Mega Park Bredasdorp, a 6000m² explosion of colour and fragrance brought about by a colourful focal point and a comprehensive species collection from the Cape, promise to be a feast to the eye. Flower arrangement competitions, a complete Fynbos export production line, flowers to take home, and presentations on plants, nature, photography, herbal tea, endangered species, floral hikes and biodiversity and wine tastes are all included in the entrance fee.
Gates open: 09:00 -17:00 (Thursday - Saturday) & 08:00 - 16:00 (Sunday).
Entrance fee: R100 per adult, R50 per pensioner and R20 per child [all activities included except food, beverages and purchases].
Tickets only at Computicket nationwide and at the gates daily.
Accomodation: www.discovercapeagulhas.co.za Tel: 028 424 2584
Email: bredasdorp@discovercapeagulhas.co.za
Children welcome. Please remember your camera.
No ATM available. Cash only please. |
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China International Fair for Investment and Trade
8 - 11 September 2013, Xiamen
10 - 11 September 2013, Shanghai and
12 - 13 September 2013, Beijing
Enquiries: Makana Gerald Mandiwana at the Department of Trade and Industry, e-mail: MGMandiwana@thedti.gov.za
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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 Agricultural Outlook Conference
30 September 2013 | CSIR International Convention Centre | Pretoria.
Conference theme: "Global and SA Agriculture: From Plan to Action 2014."
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5th Africa Grain Trade Summit
1-2 October 2013 | Whitesands | Mombasa.
Please find linked an Information Pack regarding the Summit.
For further information contact the EAGC Secretariat by email:grains@eagc.org. Tel: office no. +254 733 444035/+254 710 607 313/ 020 44094.
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Conference on "The Future of Commercial Farming in South Africa - Seeking Breakthrough"
8 - 9 October 2013 | Harrismith
Keynote Speakers: Ernst Janovsky and Clem Sunter
Enquiries: 058 622 1499 or 083 410 3867
Early bird registration fee extended to 15 August 2013.
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Agri Mega AgriBusiness Dairy Tour to Argentina
6-14 October 2013
Contact Marianna du Plessis at africa@agrimega.co.za
Cell: +27 82 337 6127
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Agri Mega Wine, Fruit Tour to Montpellier, France
SITEVI Expo: 24 - 29 November 2013
Contact Marianna du Plessis at e-mail: africa@agrimega.co.za
Cell: +27 82 337 6127
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