Francois Baird, founder of the FairPlay advocacy movement, tells Annelie Coleman why chicken dumping is an illegal practice, and describes how it threatens South Africa’s chicken and grain industries, the country’s economy, and the jobs and food security of poorer consumers.
What is the FairPlay movement, and why was it founded?
The FairPlay anti-dumping movement was founded in 2016 to combat dumping in South Africa and globally.
It advocates an end to the illegal and immoral trade practice of dumping, worldwide and in all industries. We believe in free trade and the rule of law.
FairPlay was established because dumping is pernicious and evil; it is an illegal trade practice that kills local jobs and cripples local industries by importing products at prices way below cost. This happens worldwide.
The EU, which dumps chicken in South Africa, has just taken action to protect its steel producers against dumped imports. FairPlay’s first project is to tackle the chicken dumping threatening the South African chicken industry. Thousands of jobs are at stake: small-scale producers have closed, and large producers are cutting production.
We aim to make the public and the government aware of what is at stake, and advocate a process leading to firm and lasting steps by government to stop chicken dumping. When we succeed in that goal, and we believe we will, we will turn our attention to other industries and other countries afflicted by dumping.
FairPlay cooperates with everyone opposed to dumping and who wishes to support campaigns aimed at stopping it.
At the moment, our support comes mainly from the South African chicken industry and other stakeholders Francois Baird who will be affected if that industry collapses under the weight of dumped imports. We recently announced that Justice Richard Goldstone, an internationally renowned jurist and human rights supporter, will be FairPlay’s first patron.
Our panel of experts, ranging from legal and trade experts to economists, is also growing strongly, with experts from many different countries joining the initial panel of South African experts.
Denne historien er fra 23 June 2017-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra 23 June 2017-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
