03 May 2024
| FROM THE CEO’s DESK Strengthening connections and fostering sustainable growthEarlier this month, the AgriSA team and I had the privilege of attending NAMPO 2024 – an event that continues to demonstrate its immense value to the agricultural community in South Africa. Recognised as the largest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere, NAMPO is not just an event; it is a cornerstone of the agricultural calendar and it serves as a critical platform for networking, providing unparalleled opportunities for stakeholders across the agricultural spectrum. Read more. |
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| South Africa’s food inflation decline signals hopeSouth African consumers are experiencing a decrease in food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation, which fell from 5,1% in March to 4,7% in April, the lowest rate since September 2020. This decline, from a peak of 14% in March 2023, provides relief to households burdened by high living costs, with essential items like bread and eggs now more affordable. For example, a loaf of white bread cost R18,43 in April 2024, down from R19,07 a year earlier. However, inflation for fruits and vegetables has risen due to El Niño and irrigation challenges from load-shedding. Read more.Additional reading BFAP’s Brief on April 2024 Stats SA food inflation. |
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| Taking stock of water governance in South Africa during the sixth administrationBy the time this newsletter is published, South Africans will have voted in general elections to choose their representatives for the National Assembly and the provincial legislative assemblies for the next five years. Since the last general elections in 2019, a lot has transpired. This article emphasises the active role of the sixth administration in enhancing water governance and the legislative landscape, with ongoing efforts expected to continue in the future. Read more. |
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| Fostering relationships: A reflectionThroughout the month of May, AgriSA has engaged in pivotal engagements with various global, national, provincial, commodity, and corporate organisations. These interactions reaffirm that relationships exist as the key catalysts in elevating agriculture as a national asset in South Africa. Our engagements emphasise the interconnectedness of all role players across the agricultural sector and how all entities, from primary producers to policymakers contribute to the fabric of our agricultural landscape. These interactions also underscore the importance of perceptions in shaping the future of agriculture. Our portrayal today shapes the attitudes of future generations, and through spotlighting collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, we redefine the image of agriculture for a prosperous and resilient future, for the benefit of all invested. At AgriSA, our member contributions are deeply valued. Member dedication and ongoing commitment to agriculture inspires us to push boundaries and drive positive change, in co-creating a hopeful future. As we reflect on the month of May, we are indeed hopeful of what lies ahead. Relationships nurtured and insights gained fuel this mentioned hope in the determination to steer agriculture toward prosperity. As we move towards the middle of 2024, let us continue to cherish and cultivate our human interactions, and how we as human beings interact with nature, as we push towards higher ground. More photos here. |
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| AgriMP hou jaarkongresAgriMP se jaarlikse kongres het op 23 Mei 2024 op Smitsfield naby Ermelo plaasgevind. Die tema van die kongres was ’Saamgevestig vir volhoubare groei’ (Rooted together – growing forever). Sprekers wat bygedra het tot die sukses van die kongres sluit in Wilco Naumann (God en geld), Wandile Sihlobo (Economic realities to consider), Prof Nick Binedell (Strategic leadership), Johann Kotzé (Realiteite van die sektore) en Nicol Jansen (Boodskap vanaf die AgriSA-raad – Boer tot boer). Lees meer.Fotobeeld. |
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| Stats SA survey helps shape agricultureParticipating in Stats SA’s agricultural and related services large sample survey is vital for farmers and every organisation that is part of the agricultural value chain as it informs policymaking, guides resource allocation, and provides market insights. By contributing, farmers help shape policies and programmes that enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the agricultural sector. Complete the English questionnaire hereComplete the Afrikaans questionnaire here Completed questionnaires should be emailed to EdmundK@statssa.gov.za |
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| Celebrating Africa Month: The beer industry’s role in economic growthAs we celebrate Africa Month, we recognise the beer industry’s significant contribution to economic growth through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Despite global challenges, Africa is expected to grow by 3,8% this year, with 11 of the 20 fastest-growing economies being African. The AfCFTA supports the vision of Agenda 2063 for a prosperous continent by promoting industrial development, regional value chains, and agricultural expansion to boost intra-African trade. The beer industry is dedicated to building resilient value chains, reducing import reliance, and increasing local sourcing and processing, driving long-term economic development across Africa. Read the article, Cheers to Africa Month: How the beer industry is leveraging the AfCFTA to drive economic progress, published in Retail Brief Africa here. |
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| Member newsAgriSA’s Commodity Chamber plays a pivotal role uniting the largest commodity organisations across South Africa. The focus of the Commodity Chamber is on advancing five critical areas within agriculture: Biosecurity, development finance, research and development, trade and value chain synergies. Featured below are newsletters, press releases and reports from some of our members. NAMPO’S real success lies in partnershipsRead more. VINPRO Technical Harvest Report 2024 Read more. COTTON Market Report April 2024Read more. SATI Trade Newsletter Read more RAISINS SA Newsletter Quarter 1Read more |
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| Nation in Conversation discussion ‘The bigger picture: Strategies for resilience and adaptation’Boere kan belangrike rolspelers teen klimaatsverandering weesAdministrative efficiency could be producers’ saving graceLiedjieboere wil ander boere bemoedigMpumalanga Jongboer: Hierdie boer se planne raak nie op nie |