Agriculture: the key to our food security
Agriculture is one of South Africa’s most important industries and accounts for a large percentage of our GDP. It’s already a large employer, has potential to create more jobs and is a major driver of investment. But, reports suggesting that thousands of commercial farmers could give up their land are distressing, especially when considering that agriculture is essential to our food security.
Farmers need support from both government and investors to grow otherwise they’re likely to seek opportunities outside SA. Many farmers are already doing this and more will follow suit if government can’t relax its regulations and pending policies.
The recent green paper on land reform has done little to put minds at ease and makes farming less attractive. If implemented, it would limit farmers’ ability to expand their land and instill less confidence in the sector. On the contrary farming needs to become more attractive so we can limit our dependence on imports and increase investment in agriculture.
For the agriculture sector to grow farmers are going to need the support of government in the form of subsidies and legislation that is conducive to large scale investment. Once there is a receptive environment for large scale food production, it will become viable for skilled farmers to ply their trade here in South Africa. The knock on effects of a vibrant agricultural sector will very soon be felt throughout the economy by increased employment, lower food inflation, foreign investment and a reduced trade deficit.
Without policy and financial support the future of agriculture in South Africa looks dismal. This would represent a huge oversight since we have the resources to guarantee food security and make farming sustainable.
Wendy Smith and Craig Ballantyne
P.S. Look out for this editorial on our editor’s blog.
Please feel free to make comments or raise new issues by
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New Products
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Bob Martin enters the dog food market
Tried and trusted market leader Bob Martin - whose iconic Bob Martin Condition tablets have kept South African pets in excellent shape since 1892 – has expanded its product bouquet into pet food territory with a brand new and comprehensive dog food range: Bob Martin Complete Condition - dry dog food.
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Super Fruit brings innovation to nectar segment
Super Fruit MultiVit’s 1 litre Orange and Tropical flavours are enriched with vitamins C and A, and a selection of B vitamins including B1, B3 and B6. These vitamins aid in essential bodily functions such as the release of energy from glucose, promote a healthy immune function and help the body’s protein metabolism.
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Lucky Star enhances its SA Sardine range
Lucky Star, South Africa’s favourite canned fish brand, has introduced two exciting new variants to its market leading sardines range, offering consumers wider choice and added convenience.
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Sunbake has launched the ultimate in“on the go taste
Sunbake, a subsidiary of Foodcorp (Pty) Ltd has launched a brand new “on the go taste” with the creation of a new standard muffin. Available in a sumptuous Rich Choc Chip, packed with chunks of chocolate and an opulent Vanilla Choc Chip flavour, speckled with delicious chocolate.
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Johnson’s® is shaping up in the Hand category.
JOHNSON’S® Naturally Soft 24 Hour Moisture Hand Cream has just received a brand new look for moisture protection. This wonderfully soft balm is designed to leave hands feeling soft even after washing. It combines skin conditioners, moisturiser and softening oil – and soaks in to boost 24 hour hydration to relieve 3 signs of dryness.
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Sparkling new formats
Ceres Sparkling’s new 275ml slim can and 750ml glass bottle packaging formats have made the popular carbonated fruit juice convenient for a broader scope of customer.
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Bourbon Vanilla and Coffee Extracts impart genuine flavours
Staffords have led the South African way with fine food for the best part of a century. Ask any consumer which brand they really trust, and the truthful answer will be Staffords. Those who appreciate the finer things in life know that Staffords condiments make great meals into a gourmet experiences.
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Featured Brands
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Alpen Foods
The Alpen Food Company is part of the international Weetabix Food Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom, producers of well known and highly popular leading cereal brands in that country. Alpen uses identical technologies and product recipes at its production facility in Cape Town to those used at its parent Company in the UK.
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Aspen Nutritionals
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Liquor News
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Summer debut for Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Sauvignon Blanc 2011
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KWV Brandy rakes in local and international awards
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OBIKWA Sauvignon Blanc 2011 wins Best Value Award
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The Cape Wine Academy reaches 100 000 students milestone
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Featured Retail Services
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Primedia Face 2 Face
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Promotional and display systems
Specialising in the promotional industry, offering a wide range of demonstration, sampling & promotional tables. Whether you looking for a small table to a larger kiosk, for in- store promotions, sampling beverages at bottle stores or for cooking up a storm at Trade shows.
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Retail Services News
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Thirsty Thoughts: Milk Substitutes
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Create the right skills mix to offer powerful software service (Accsys)
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Employers must prepare themselves for scheduled changes to PAYE (Accsys)
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Multiple wins for Nampak at 2011 Gold Pack Awards
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FMCG Jobs
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Managing Director: Commodities
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Key Account Manager (Regional) Gauteng
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Financial Manager Gauteng
A leading international service provider to the FMCG industry, is looking to appoint an experienced Financial Manager to head up a new business unit.
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Events
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New dairy experience come to the Cape
When: 4 Nov 2011 – 5 Nov 2011
Venue: Sandringham (next to the N1 between Cape Town and Paarl)
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Food Safety Conference
When: 21 Nov 2011– 24 Nov 2011
Venue: The Crowne Plaza, Johannesburg
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Global Sources: China Sourcing Fairs
When: 30 Nov 2011 – 2 Dec 2011
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg
· Global Sources, Baby & Children's Products China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Hardware & Building Materials China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Garments and Textiles China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Gifts & Premiums China Sourcing Fair
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Networking expo for the logistics and supply chain management industry
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Cards & Payments Solutions - even bigger and better for 2012
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Retail World Africa 2012
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