12
eNewsletter
2016/13
28 April 2016
Agbiz Congress Update - Only 20 days left to register
Tremendous excitement is building up as there is only one month left before we host the Agricultural Business Chamber's (Agbiz) biennial congress! The Agbiz Congress 2016, themed "Fit for the Future" takes takes place on 1 - 2 June 2016 in Somerset West, Cape Town.   All interested parties are invited to register before 16 May 2016.  The updated programme is linked»

The Agbiz pre-congress workshop on 31 May 2016 is almost fully booked. The workshop is themed: "Transforming leadership in agribusiness".  Please note that seats are limited for this workshop and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  Find linked the workshop programme as well as the registration form.



Policy and legislation
Minister Nkwinti delivers DRDLR Budget Speech in Parliament

Parliament_CT
Minister Gugile Nkwinti delivered the Budget Speech for the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) on the 26th of April 2016. The Minister emphasized especially Agri-Parks development and progress with the re-opened restitution process. Please click on Budget Speech to peruse.

DRDLR also released a press statement in this regard.  
International trade and investment intelligence
Status of Oriental fruit fly in South Africa and control measures

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) announced that the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is now found in at least 65 countries and in most of Africa's sub-Saharan countries. This pest can result in food insecurity, yield reduction, job losses, market restrictions and high production and post-harvest costs, if not effectively controlled.  The crop hosts include mango, guava, citrus, avocado, banana, coffee, papaya, passion fruit, pear, apricot peach, cherry, apple, pepper and tomato. Read media statement»
Crop estimates
The Crop Estimates Committee this week released the area planted estimate and fourth production forecast for summer crops for 2016. The report is linked»  
Please note that the crop estimates are compiled by the Crop Estimates Committee of  the  Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries.
El Nino update by ARC
According to the Oceanic Nino Index, the three strongest El Ninos since 1950 occurred during 1982/83, 1997/98 and the current summer. Drought associated with the current El Niño event reached its maximum extent and intensity during 2015. Read more in the linked Umlindi report or the ARC.
Members' news
Monsanto researchers showcase new breakthrough in protein science

Research published earlier this week by Monsanto and Harvard University is poised to deliver never-before-seen breakthroughs for the role of protein science in agriculture and will lead to new innovations for farmers and society. Below are links to more information:
VKB Group takes over trade activities of DIY Superstore

The VKB Group will be taking over the trade activities of DIY Superstore in Bethlehem from 1st of May this year.  Read more»
Industry news
Registering a business is now seamless, says Minister
www.sanews.gov.za
News around the web
Upcoming Events
Agbiz Pre-congress Workshop
31 May 2016 | Somerset West, Cape Town
"Transforming leadership in agribusiness"
Agbiz Congress 2016
1 - 2 June 2016 | Somerset West, Cape Town
"Fit for the Future"
Potatoes SA Transformation Symposium
9 June 2016 | East London International Convention Centre, Eastern Cape
Infrastructure Africa Business Forum
9 - 10 June 2016 | Sandton Convention Centre | Johannesburg
IFAMA 26th Annual World Conference
19 - 23 June 2016 | Denmark
The IFAMA world conference will focus on three major issues crucial to the
food challenge:
People: Flow of Talent in the Food and Agribusiness Sector
Climate: Climate-­Smart Food and Agribusiness Systems
Big data: Better Analytics and Deeper Insight Management
Media release
Avi Africa 2016
21-23 June 2016 | Emperors Palace | Gauteng
"The biggest poultry congress and exhibition in Africa"
Agriculture and Horticulture International Conference
27-29 June 2016 | Cape Town
"Agriculture: Institutional Innovations and Developments for Sustaining Future"
Farmbiz Agribusiness Africa Conference 
27 - 28 July 2016 | Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
Enquiries: Marianna du Plessis,  africa@farmlinkafrica.co.za or 082 337 6127
Tropentag International Conference on Research in Food Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development
18 - 21 September 2016 | Vienna, Austria
Social Media
Follow Agbiz on Facebook and Twitter

Be sure to follow Agbiz on Twitter and Facebook for the latest industry news and events.
In this newsletter
Agbiz Congress Update
Minister Nkwinti delivers DRDLR Budget Speech in Parliament
Status of Oriental fruit fly in South Africa and control measures
Crop estimates
Members' news
Industry news
News around the web
Upcoming events
Follow Agbiz on Social Media