A couple of years ago, adaptability was needed in the agricultural environment. Today, this is still one of the key drivers for survival in a global arena, but equally important is identifying beneficial partnerships with the ability to find co-operative and creative solutions for the many challenges facing the sector.
This ability is particularly important in creating food certainty as defined in the Agri SA congress manifest.
“Food certainty is different from food security. It is something more. Food certainty depends on the ability to buy food that is safe, available and affordable, with money earned from being employed, from viable and sustainable businesses that pay taxes that are used to build and maintain infrastructure and services. This is a sustainable view on food certainty,” said Lindi Stroebel in her opening address as programme director at the congress.
Phineas Gumede, vice-president of Agri SA, added that food certainty went further than affordability, availability or accessibility. “Infrastructure and a sustainable approach is imperative to achieving the basic level of food certainty. This is what the agriculture sector needs to not only to produce food, but to make food available in the value chain.”
He ended his welcome with a stern warning: “A country that lacks a strong organised agriculture sector supported by government and social structures will fail dismally in providing food to feed its citizens.
Jaco Minnaar, re-elected Agri SA president, stressed in his address: “As individuals and as a collective, we should all put a shoulder to the wheel to address and improve all the factors that impact food security. We can’t look back in 10 years with regret because we failed to address today’s challenges. The time to act is now.”
Denne historien er fra November 03, 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra November 03, 2023-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
The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.
Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.
Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.
From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.
Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.
The origin of the Bonsmara
The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.
The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.
Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.
Growing onion sets
Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.
