eNewsletter

2016/20

30 June 2016

Policy and legislation

Operation Phakisa: Transforming agri sector towards an inclusive rural economy

Agbiz Grain recently participated in the Operation Phakisa consultation meeting for grains. Operation Phakisa seeks to strengthen the plans of Revitalization of the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Value Chain (RAAVC). The RAAVC requires partnerships through interventions wholly owned by all key stakeholders. Linked are feedback by Agbiz Grain General Manager, Mariana Purnell, as well as the Operation Phakisa concept document.

Economic and agribusiness intelligence

Food producer inflation remains unchanged

The latest producer price index (PPI) data released by Statistics South Africa indicates that in May 2016, producer inflation for final manufactured goods slowed to 6.5% from 7% year-on-year (y/y), in April 2016. Agbiz economists provide more insight in the linked document.

South Africa's food security improves, despite drought and high food prices

South Africa's food security status has actually improved, according to the Global Food Security Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and commissioned by DuPont. This year is the fifth edition of the Global Food Security Index, which is an annual measure of the state of global food security in 113 countries (http://foodsecurityindex.eiu.com). South Africa ranks 47th among a sample 113 countries with an index score of 62.9 points out of a possible 100 points. This means that South Africa is the 47th most food secure country in the world, and the highest ranked in Africa. Agbiz economists unpack the results in the linked article.

South Africa's summer crops production estimates remain unchanged

On 28 June the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) released figures for the sixth production forecast for summer crops. The National Crop Estimate Committee left grain and oilseeds (i.e. maize, sunflower seed, soybeans, groundnuts, sorghum and dry beans) production estimates unchanged at 8.8 million tons. An analysis provided by Agbiz economists is linked hereť

Fuel prices to increase, adding further pressure on food prices

The preliminary estimates from the Central Energy Fund indicate that petrol and diesel prices could increase by 14 and 47 cents per litre (c/l), respectively, on 6 July 2016. The view of Agbiz economists are linkedť

Daily market viewpoint on agri-commodities

South Africa is very much integrated into a dynamic global market, which is characterised by rapid changes. To support decision makers in this environment, Agbiz members receive daily commentaries on agricultural commodity markets and macro-economic trends via e-mail. The latest and historic commentaries are available on the Agbiz website www.agbiz.co.za

International Trade

"Brexit" vote not an immediate game changer for RSA agricultural exports

Wandile Sihlobo and Tinashe Kapuya, share their thoughts in the linked articleť

Industry news

D-Day for South Africa's salt regulations

There'll be less salt, officially, in the processed foods South Africans eat from today as the government's salt regulations come into force. Read moreť

The impact of Brexit - Treasury

Find linked the presentation prepared by Treasury about the Brexit and the future of the SA economy for your information.

News around the web

Why skills matter
Source: OECD - Education & skills today

These are the key skills that job candidates lack
Source: World Economic Forum

Upcoming Events

4th Annual Africa Women in Agriculture & Agribusiness Summit

19 - 20 July 2016 | Midrand Conference Centre-Gauteng

For more information contact Kelly Siasamba on kelly@amabhubesi.co.za

FarmBiz Agribusiness Africa Conference

27 - 28 July 2016 | Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

More information