The primary focus of insurance is the protection of property, products and people. But insurance, especially in the grain storage sector, can be complicated. The last topic discussed during the Agbiz Grain Grain and Oilseeds Value Chain Symposium, held in Pretoria, focused on insurability within the grain storage sector.
In his opening remarks, Wessel Lemmer, general manager at Agbiz Grain, noted that the insurance cost for silo operators escalated notably over the past decade. “The increase in insurance costs pertains to the cost at silos as well as for the grain during transport,” he said.
“What we wish to do during our panel discussion is to dissect all the elements that pertain to insurance in the grain storage sector, but we would also like to show what our industry is already doing to reduce risks and insurance costs.”
Agbiz Grain is an association of 12 storage operators that are active in the South African market. Members handle and store 70% of the grain and oilseeds produced in the country and are the owners of 98% of all sites registered on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. “We play a significant role in the functioning of the market in creating an environment in which the storage sector can thrive, expand and be competitive,” Lemmer explained.
The discussion was moderated by Kobus Truter, head: Structured Commodity Finance at Absa. The other members were Sean Harper, national survey manager – Santam Insurance; Zhann Meyer, head: Global Commodity Finance – Nedbank; Ebbe Rabie, managing director: Speciality – Price Forbes; Gerard Ramage, safety, health, environment and quality manager – VKB Group; Letisha van den Berg, director – Aggregate & Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa.
This story is from the November 17, 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 17, 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
