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Agbiz hosts USA Deputy Secretary for Roundtable Luncheon
The United States of America Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Ms Krysta Harden, this past week led a high-level Agricultural Trade Mission to South Africa and neighbouring countries. Agbiz hosted Ms Harden and her delegation for a Roundtable Luncheon during which the Chairman of Agbiz, Mr Schalk Pienaar emphasized the importance of trade growth for both countries in his welcoming and opening remarks.
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The CEO of Agbiz, Dr John Purchase, then provided the delegation with an overview of South Africa's Agriculture and Agribusiness environment, whereafter informal discussions were held on the following topics:
- Agricultural policy situation in South Africa and the United States
- African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA Trade Agreement)
- Market Access issues for major agricultural products exported to the USA
- Capacity Building Opportunities for Regional Development
- Biotechnology situation and collaboration
- Risk Management Tools being provided for U.S. Farmers by the USDA
Deputy Secretary Harden concluded by thanking Agbiz for hosting the discussions and indicated that the interaction provided many significant opportunities for both parties to grow trade and agriculture/agribusiness. These opportunities needed to be explored further.
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SA's first mobile agricultural laboratory
The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) has spent R3 million to help establish South Africa's first mobile agricultural laboratory that will enable farmers to have their water, soil and animals tested at their doorstep.
The lab was recently launched by non-governmental organisation Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training (MASDT) through Seda's assistance. "The benefits of the lab are numerous and include bringing conformity assessment support closer to emerging farmers, giving them access to a testing facility that will help them in their farm planning and crop production," said Seda spokesperson Beverley Kgame. Read more»
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Movers and shakers in agribusiness
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Gerhard Diedericks
Santam, Head Agriculture
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* Dr Tobias Doyer announced that he will step down from his position as Head of Santam Broker Services North and National Brokers, end of November this year. Doyer will be pursuing personal business interests in the training and academic industry in Southern Africa, something that he is passionate about. Riaan Louw will now take up this role and Mr Gerhard Diedericks was appointed as Santam Head of Agriculture with immediate effect. Diedericks will represent Santam on the Agbiz Council.
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Nico Groenewald
Standard Bank, Head Agribusiness
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* Mr Willie du Plessis has been appointed as Business Bank Manager for Standard Bank in the Western Cape. Du Plessis held the position Head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank for the past 4 years. Mr Nico Groenewald took up this position as from 1 September this year.
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Dr Hans Balyamujura,
ZED Group
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* Dr Hans Balyamujura has left the employ of Absa on 30 August 2013 to pursue his own consulting business, ZED Group.
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Apply now for the Agribusiness Centenary Bursary
 Agbiz is making an annual bursary of R25 000 available to a South African student registered for a Masters or PhD degree in either agricultural economics or agribusiness management, at any recognised South African university. Closing date for applications: 10 December 2013. More information»
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