Press release The FairPlay movement hosted a webinar on 15 May to discuss the lessons learned from the 2023 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. The forum included several representatives from government and industry, namely: Dr Adri Grobler, Chief State Veterinarian at Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Dr Ziyanda Majokweni–Qwalela, Deputy Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Laboratory Diagnostics at Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Dr Alan Kalake, Director of Epidemiology with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural ..read more

For the fresh fruit industry of South Africa, going solo and operating in silos are as outdated as relying on a horse and cart to get around, says Fhumulani Ratshitanga, CEO Fruit South Africa (FSA). “The R63 billion export-oriented fresh fruit industry of South Africa relies heavily on specific services by the South African Government. It’s only through well-negotiated, favourable trade agreements and other market access requirements initiated by government, that the industry can successfully penetrate export markets around the world, while competing successfully. Therefore, the role of gover ..read more

South Africa and Africa’s future depends on food security and safety, and what better way to bring the message home than by showcasing the outcome of farm-to-plate food production at the country’s biggest agriculture show. This was the thinking behind the Syngenta Boerekos Plaaskombuis at NAMPO 2024. Christian Giesel, Head of Marketing for Syngenta South Africa, the headline sponsor of the Syngenta Boerekos Plaaskombuis, explains. “We are very clear about the fact that the entire food-production value chain is focused on what ends up on consumers’ plates. Syngenta wants to showcase how sustain ..read more

Written by Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at Agbiz Export opportunities for South Africa’s agricultural products are opening up within BRICS+ countries. Over the past two years, China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have widened market access for various agricultural products from South Africa. Admittedly, Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have recently joined the BRICS+ grouping, and market access is part of the long-term bilateral engagements with South Africa. South Africa has access to selected fruits, wine, wool, meat and grains. However, South Africa aims to broaden market ..read more

Xylem Press release Digital services radically enhance managing water infrastructure, and municipalities use them to increase revenues and improve service delivery. Over a century ago, steam was the engine behind the Industrial Revolution, powering mining pumps, trains carrying goods and people, and factory machines. Back then, a massive drive shaft would run through a factory building, providing its spinning energy to smaller machines through an array of belts and drawing that energy from a large on-site steam engine. Then electricity arrived and changed everything. Factories could do away ..read more

Bedassa Tadesse, University of Minnesota Duluth The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) is a landmark piece of trade legislation enacted by the United States in 2000. Its goal is to promote economic growth, development and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa by providing qualifying countries with duty-free access to the US market for over 6,500 products. By eliminating import tariffs and quotas, Agoa aims to stimulate trade, attract foreign investment and foster economic integration between the US and African nations. Agoa has made strides in boosting exports from eligible African ..read more

Written by Louis Wessels, Chairman of the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum Stock theft is as old as man himself and is already mentioned in the Bible. Stock theft is not unique to South Africa, but is a worldwide phenomenon. Various challenges are associated with stock theft: Stock theft is nowadays synonymous with life-threatening circumstances for stock farmers due to the fact that stock thieves and syndicates are armed. The investigation of a stock theft case counts under the most difficult because it occurs outdoors and critical evidence may be destroyed. In order to successfully pro ..read more

Press release Few people question the wisdom of using diesel-powered pumps, particularly for temporary sites or rental arrangements. Their faith is well-placed: diesel-powered portable pumps have been the standard for decades, supported by diesel’s high and reliable power output and low energy costs. Yet, while diesel remains a strong option, electric pumps have become a viable alternative, even for temporary and rental use cases. In terms of overall cost and value, electrical pumps are a compelling alternative, and where projects consider environmental and carbon-reduction factors, it’s a lea ..read more

Like 65 other countries South Africa will have general elections this year. 52 political parties are competing for the national vote. How is an electorate being stretched economically (Neethling, 2024) likely to vote? And of particular interest to us, how does agriculture feature in the bouquet of choices on offer? One challenge in a democracy is to maintain a sense of unity. A national sports team can help with this, as can facing a common enemy like a natural disaster or epidemic. We remember and (mostly) celebrate these times. Unfortunately it is in the interests of people not in power to p ..read more

Press release A pioneering solution has been developed to convert cellulose fibre-rich waste from pulp and paper mill operations into ethanol using a specialised fermentation process. Ethanol is a versatile starting material that finds diverse application in the production of industrial chemicals, bio-based plastics and sustainable aviation fuel. The solution was announced on Wednesday (24 April) by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), in collaboration with Stellenbosch University (SU), Sappi Southern Africa and Mpact. A demonstration plant, co-funded by the Department ..read more