Please tell us more about Agbiz’s mission and vision, and why an organisation such as yours is important to South Africa’s agriculture sector.
Agbiz’s mission is to negotiate and facilitate a favourable environment for businesses in South Africa’s agricultural value chains, so that they can operate competitively and sustainably. We’re a non-profit, membership-based organisation that acts as a link between agribusinesses and important stakeholders such as government, social partners and other regulators. We also have desks that cater for the specific needs of the grain storage and handling value chain, and the fruit and wine value chain.
Essentially, our role is twofold: to lobby for a business environment that enables agribusinesses, and to act as a thought leader and a trusted source of information on the sector.
What, in your opinion, are the biggest opportunities for the agribusiness sector in 2022 and the role that Agbiz can play in this regard?
Apart from the recent severe flood damage suffered in certain areas, the conditions for agriculture in South Africa are generally quite good for the second year in a row, and this is reflected in the optimism prevailing in the sector.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Agbiz/ IDC confidence index reached 74 points, its second-highest level since inception in 2001. The index is not based on sentiment alone; it includes metrics such as employment, capital investment, export volumes and the provision for bad debt by agricultural financiers.
The implication is that agribusinesses are investing and placing their faith in the economic opportunities provided by the local sector, be it for export or the local market.
And what are the challenges facing the sector?
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin February 18, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin February 18, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
