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Geen gesplete-hoefdiere by NAMPO Oesdag 2026 weens BKS-risiko

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Geen gesplete-hoefdiere by NAMPO Oesdag 2026 weens BKS-risiko

Graan SA en die NAMPO-bestuur bevestig dat geen gesplete-hoefdiere by die 2026 NAMPO Oesdag, wat van 12-15 Mei 2026 by NAMPO Park plaasvind, toegelaat sal word nie. Hierdie besluit volg ná die onlangse uitbrekings van bek- en klouseer (BKS) in Suid-Afrika, insluitend gevalle wat geografies nader aan die sentrale produksiegebiede beweeg het.

Gesplete-hoefdiere sluit beeste, skape, bokke en varke in – diere wat bekend is daarvoor dat hulle die BKS-virus kan dra en versprei.

Die besluit is eenparig geneem tydens ’n vergadering tussen NAMPO, Graan SA en die verskeie telersgenootskappe, ná deeglike risiko-evaluasie en konsultasie met relevante rolspelers.

“Bek- en klouseer het nou letterlik naby aan die huis gekom. As beskermers van biosekuriteit kan ons dit nie waag om ’n platform te skep waar risiko’s nie effektief beheer kan word nie,” sê Danie Minnaar, Voorsitter van die NAMPO Oesdagkomitee.

Waarom dié besluit geneem is

Die onlangse besluit om die Bloemskou te kanselleer, asook sterk aanbevelings vanuit die Vrystaatse Departement van Landbou dat die risiko rondom diere-byeenkomste tans te hoog is, het die erns van die situasie onderstreep. Kundige insette het bevestig dat bestaande protokolle slegs risiko by ’n grootskaalse geleentheid soos NAMPO beperk en nie elimineer nie.

“NAMPO neem biosekuriteit uiters ernstig op. Hierdie vroeë besluit stel telersgenootskappe in staat om hul beplanning betyds aan te pas en voorkom groter risiko’s later,” sê Dirk Strydom, Besturende Direkteur van NAMPO.

Wat beteken dit vir telers en besoekers?

  • Geen gesplete-hoefdiere (beeste, skape, bokke, varke) sal by NAMPO 2026 toegelaat word nie.
  • Nie-risiko diere, soos perde, honde en pluimvee, sal wel toegelaat word, onderhewig aan streng biosekuriteitsmaatreëls.
  • Alle diere en voertuie wat betrokke is by dierverwante aktiwiteite sal gespuit en ontsmet word.
  • Praktiese biosekuriteitsmaatreëls vir besoekers word tans ondersoek en verder verfyn.
  • Bewusmakingsinisiatiewe oor biosekuriteit sal regdeur die NAMPO Oesdag geïntegreer word.

Nuwe unieke besoekers ervaring

Belangrik is dat telersgenootskappe steeds hul stalletjies sal beman en aangemoedig word om innoverend en kreatief te wees in hoe hulle rasse se genetiese voordele, prestasiedata en produksiewaarde uitbeeld – selfs sonder die fisiese teenwoordigheid van diere. Besoekers kan dus uitsien na ‘n nuwe ervaring waar rasse se voordele en prestasies op kreatiewe maniere met tegnologie en slim bemarking uitgebeeld gaan word.

NAMPO as opvoedkundige platform

Hoewel diere nie fisies teenwoordig sal wees nie, sal NAMPO 2026 hierdie situasie doelbewus gebruik as ’n opvoedkundige geleentheid om produsente, rolspelers en die breër publiek bewus te maak van:

  • die belangrikheid van biosekuriteit,
  • hoe siektes soos bek- en klouseer versprei,
  • en watter praktiese stappe produsente kan neem om hul eie bedrywighede te beskerm.

Voortgesette konsultasie

Graan SA en NAMPO sal voortgaan om met alle relevante partye te konsulteer in die aanloop tot die ekspo en sal enige verdere ontwikkelings betyds kommunikeer.

“Verantwoordelike besluitneming beteken soms om moeilike keuses vroeg te maak. Hierdie besluit is geneem in die beste belang van die bedryf, produsente en Suid-Afrika se dieregesondheid,” sluit Minnaar af.

Early Harvest Sets the Tone for the Apple and Pear Season

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Early Harvest Sets the Tone for the Apple and Pear Season

The South African apple and pear season has started earlier than usual, creating a mix of opportunity and uncertainty for producers. Early indications point to good-quality fruit, although factors such as hail damage, water availability, logistics and exchange-rate volatility are expected to influence outcomes as the season progresses.

Industry role players say the crop is progressing well, but caution that several variables remain outside producers’ control.

Hail Damage Under Assessment

Recent hailstorms have raised concern in two major production regions. The Langkloof was severely affected by hail on 5 February, followed by further damage in the Koue Bokkeveld on 8 February.

“It is with concern that we take note of the hail damage reported in the Langkloof and the Koue Bokkeveld; however, the full extent of the impact on the apple and pear crop is still being assessed,” said Roelf Pienaar, Managing Director at Tru-Cape Fruit.

Pienaar said that while quality indicators remain encouraging, several variables will continue to influence market performance and global demand as the season unfolds.

Harvest Running Ahead of the Norm

Depending on the variety, the season is on average seven to ten days earlier than usual. Calla du Toit, Procurement Director at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, confirmed that the first BigBucks Gala apples in the Ceres region were harvested on 26 January — ten days earlier than last season.

Harvesting of Rosemarie pears, a blushed summer pear variety, began on 23 December, approximately two to three weeks earlier than the industry norm. Du Toit noted that it was only the second time in 25 years that harvesting had started before Christmas.

In the EGVV region — Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp and Vyeboom — summer pears are ten to twelve days earlier than usual, while apples are approximately seven to ten days ahead of the normal pattern. Graeme Krige, Technical Advisor at Two-a-Day, said a good-volume crop with clean fruit is expected, with later varieties likely to return to a more normal ripening pattern.

Weather and Water Pressures

Warm and dry conditions during November and December played a significant role in the earlier harvest. According to Du Toit, the absence of cooler, wetter periods accelerated ripening and contributed to good fruit quality, despite a windy season.

Krige noted that warmer spring and early summer temperatures shortened the growing season, which affected fruit size.

Water availability is currently not a major concern in Ceres and the EGVV, but responsible water use remains essential. In the Langkloof, the lack of summer rainfall placed producers under severe pressure, forcing difficult irrigation decisions. Although recent rain benefited tree health, it came too late to influence fruit size.

Export Demand and Market Access

Demand for South African apples and pears remains positive. A significant portion of Rosemarie pears is destined for the Middle East, with additional opportunities in India, Russia and China. Delayed arrivals of New Zealand Royal Gala apples are creating opportunities in the Far East.

In Europe and the United Kingdom, the apple season is expected to start slightly later due to carry-over stock. Tru-Cape follows a diversification strategy to spread fruit across multiple markets and manage the transition between carry-over and new-season fruit.

Logistics and Exchange Rate Challenges

Logistics remains the biggest challenge for producers. Productivity at the Port of Cape Town and recovery after windbound conditions are critical to export success. A stronger rand also poses a risk, as it negatively affects producer income despite reducing certain input costs.

Despite these challenges, investment in packhouse upgrades at Two-a-Day and Ceres Fruit Growers, along with the introduction of new varieties and increasing summer pear volumes, positions the industry to take advantage of opportunities ahead.

Western Cape Agriculture Rallies as Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks Multiply

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Western Cape Agriculture Rallies as Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks Multiply

The Western Cape’s battle against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) reached a critical turning point this week. Following a pivotal Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, where provincial leaders moved to intensify roadblocks and quarantine protocols, the situation escalated rapidly with confirmed cases in  and new suspected outbreaks in the Garden Route. This proactive shift was backed by a landmark R100 million emergency allocation to move the province from a defensive posture to an all-out offensive against the virus.

The 4 February Turning Point

During the Wednesday briefing, the Western Cape Cabinet endorsed an intensified “whole-of-society” approach. While the original November 2025 Gouda case was resolved through controlled slaughter, new data prompted the immediate quarantine of properties in Velddrif and Bredasdorp linked to previous livestock movements. Cabinet also formally requested the national department to consider border closures to protect the province’s FMD-free status.

The Mbekweni (Wellington) Confirmation

The urgency of the Cabinet’s plan was validated just 48 hours later. On Wednesday afternoon, a private veterinarian in Wellington reported suspicious clinical signs in a herd in Mbekweni. Samples were airlifted to Pretoria, and by the morning of Friday, 6 February, results officially confirmed the virus. Veterinary teams commenced vaccinations of affected and surrounding cattle that same afternoon.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ivan Meyer, highlighted the economic stakes following the confirmation:

“This is critical because we are dealing with 11% of the province’s GDP. That is the size of the agricultural sector in the Western Cape. For us, it is significant that we act with speed and urgency… roadblocks will continue because it is vital for us to restrict the movement of animals. However, we must also restrict farm visits. This is very important because biosecurity begins at the farm gate.”

Provincial Government’s R100 Million Intervention

In a decisive media briefing on Sunday, 8 February, Premier Alan Winde and Minister Meyer announced a R100 million allocation to procure vaccines and fund a 21-point emergency plan. This strategy includes 24/7 border controls and rapid response teams to monitor new suspected cases currently under investigation in George, Mossel Bay, Mfuleni, Makhaza, and Kalkfontein.

Garden Route: A Growing Concern

The crisis is no longer localized to the Winelands. On the afternoon of 8 February, the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) flagged a suspected case in a dairy herd in the Mossel Bay area. This has triggered an immediate call for a voluntary lockdown of all dairy farms in the region. Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotze and local safety officials are set to deliberate on municipal response strategies this coming Tuesday.

Movement Control and Biosecurity Protocols

Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku has warned that livestock movement is the highest-risk pathway. Provincial Traffic Officers have intensified inspections at all provincial entry points and weighbridges.

Essential Actions for Farmers:

  • Mandatory Reporting: Any cloven-hoofed animal showing blisters or sores must be reported to a state veterinarian immediately.
  • Movement Control: All movements must be logged via the Animal Movement App.
  • Uncompromising Biosecurity: Restrict farm access, use footbaths, and disinfect all vehicles and equipment.

As the national government moves toward gazetting a formal State of Disaster to unlock further enforcement powers, the Western Cape remains at the frontline of protecting South Africa’s R80 billion livestock industry. Success now depends on the unwavering cooperation of every farmer and transporter to uphold biosecurity protocols and halt the spread of this devastating virus.

Africa’s Green Economy Summit: Powering Agricultural Resilience from Soil to Sea

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Africa’s Green Economy Summit: Powering Agricultural Resilience from Soil to Sea

The agricultural sector is at a crossroads where sustainability and profitability must become synonymous. To address this, the fourth edition of Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026 is set to return to the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town from 24–27 February 2026. This premier event serves as a strategic bridge between “ambition and action,” focusing specifically on the critical intersections of Renewable Energy, Water Services, Sustainable Agriculture, and the Blue Economy.

As a primary gateway for climate-positive investment on the continent, the summit aims to connect a USD 5 billion pipeline of vetted ventures with a global network of institutional investors and commercial lenders intent on unlocking capital for Africa’s most pressing development priorities.

Beyond the Grid: Energy as a Managed Input

For the modern producer, the summit’s emphasis on decentralized power offers a practical roadmap to energy independence. Rather than remaining vulnerable to national grid instability and rising tariffs, the “Investment Pitch and Showcase” at the heart of the summit features curated projects in agrivoltaics. This technology allows farmers to utilize land for dual purposes: generating solar power while providing essential shade for high-value crops or livestock. Furthermore, the event explores the decarbonization of the “yellow fleet,” showcasing financing models for electric tractors and solar-integrated cold chain logistics that can significantly slash diesel expenses and post-harvest losses.

Blue & Green: The Next Frontier for Diversification

A highlight of the 2026 program is the dedicated Blue Economy Track, which introduces “Regenerative Ocean Industries” as a viable diversification strategy for traditional landowners. While terrestrial farming faces increasing land pressure, the blue economy offers opportunities in seaweed and shellfish production—crops that require zero freshwater or chemical fertilizers. For land-based farmers, this represents a new frontier for producing high-protein animal feed and organic soil stimulants, effectively turning marine conservation into a high-value agricultural input.

Social Equity and the 2030 Job Market

Beyond the balance sheet, transitioning to green sectors is a powerful engine for social equity. In South Africa alone, the shift toward sustainable fields—such as waste-to-value innovation and climate-smart farming—is projected to create over 460,000 new jobs by 2030. To provide a tangible perspective, the summit will include guided technical site visits to Cape Town’s leading green infrastructure projects. These visits will demonstrate how sustainable capital translates into local jobs, increased competitiveness, and long-term regional resilience for the farming community at large.

Too Little, Too Late? Mooring Upgrade Arrives as Fruit Industry Faces R1bn Crisis

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Too Little, Too Late? Mooring Upgrade Arrives as Fruit Industry Faces R1bn Crisis

This week’s delivery of eight new hydraulic mooring units to South African ports marks a high-tech attempt to stabilize the country’s export gateways. However, for the deciduous fruit industry, the R534 million investment is overshadowed by a mounting logistical crisis that has already cost producers hundreds of millions of rands.

On 3 February 2026, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed that four new units are now operational in Cape Town, with four more being commissioned in Durban and Ngqura. Designed to stabilize vessels in winds up to 50 knots, these assets address “vessel ranging”—a phenomenon that often halts loading during the Cape’s frequent high-wind events.

A Billion-Rand Inventory in Limbo

While TNPA Acting Chief Executive Mohammed Abdool hailed the arrival of these assets as a “critical response to climate change,” the industry representative body, Hortgro, has signaled that hardware alone is not enough. In a formal statement issued on January 30, 2026, Hortgro confirmed it is now “considering formal legal remedies” due to what it describes as “sustained, material underperformance” at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT).

The data provided by the industry is stark. Since the start of the 2025/26 season, direct losses have already exceeded R350 million. Even more concerning is the backlog: approximately 1,688 containers are currently stuck in cold storage, representing R1 billion in fruit inventory at risk of spoilage.

“The commercial consequences of this sustained underperformance are now severe,” Hortgro stated, noting that productivity remains below 20 gross crane movements per hour, far behind the global competitive benchmark of 25–30.

Exporters Forced into Costly Detours

To bypass the bottlenecks in Cape Town, exporters have been forced into expensive “logistical gymnastics.” Shipments via Port Elizabeth have surged by 140%, racking up over R133 million in unplanned road transport costs. Additional volumes are being rerouted through Durban and as far as Walvis Bay in Namibia, further eroding the narrow margins of South African farmers.

Structural Gaps Remain

Industry leaders argue that while the new mooring units help with weather delays, they do not fix the “deep-seated structural weaknesses” at the ports. Hortgro has identified five key failure areas:

  • Human resources and labor management shortcomings.
  • Equipment reliability (specifically ship-to-shore cranes).
  • Health and safety governance gaps.
  • Operational execution and control.
  • Communication and accountability.

As the peak export window for pome and stone fruit moves into high gear, the arrival of new mooring technology is a welcome modernization. Yet, for many growers already facing “unsound fruit” claims from overseas markets, the prevailing sentiment is that these interventions have come “too little, too late” to save the 2025/26 season.

Rovic: Precision is profit

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Rovic: Precision is profit

Why Uneven Fertiliser Spreading Is Quietly Costing Farmers More Than Rising Input Prices

Rovic is a South African-based leader in agricultural mechanisation, specialising in the engineering, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality farming equipment. With a strong focus on innovation, precision, and technical efficiency, the company delivers advanced solutions—from tillage and spraying to fertiliser application—designed to help farmers maximise productivity while reducing operational and environmental risk.

Across South Africa’s grain, pasture, and mixed-farming regions, fertiliser remains one of the most significant annual input costs on the farm. Lime, gypsum, granular fertilisers, manure, and compost are all applied with the same objective: to improve soil fertility and protect yield potential. Yet for many producers, the difference between a profitable season and an underperforming one often comes down to a single, overlooked factor — spreading accuracy.

While fertiliser prices receive most of the attention, the true hidden cost lies in uneven application. In an era of tight margins and increasing regulatory pressure, understanding how fertiliser is spread is just as important as what is spread.

The Financial Reality of “Even Application”

Uneven fertiliser spreading is more than a technical inconvenience — it is a direct financial leak. Over-application wastes costly inputs and increases the risk of nutrient runoff, soil imbalance, and environmental damage. Under-application, on the other hand, restricts crop growth and yield potential long before rainfall or temperature become limiting factors.rovic

Every fertiliser recommendation is calculated to deliver a precise nutrient rate per hectare. When that rate varies across the spread width, or drifts during operation, the return on investment is immediately compromised. Patchy crop development, inconsistent nutrient uptake, and uneven yields are often the visible symptoms of a problem that began at spreading. In many cases, farmers unknowingly lose a substantial portion of their fertiliser investment simply because the spreader cannot deliver consistent rates across the full working width.

Why Conventional Spreaders Struggle

Traditional spreaders commonly face three core challenges:

Inconsistent material flow, caused by bridging, variable moisture content, or excessive hydraulic pressure. Uneven left-to-right distribution, particularly during boundary spreading or on sloping terrain. Rate drift, requiring frequent manual recalibration when changing products or application rates.

As fertiliser products vary widely in density and flow characteristics, operators are often forced to rely on estimates rather than real-time measurement. These inaccuracies may appear small, but over hundreds of hectares they accumulate rapidly — costing yield, fertiliser, and confidence.

Optional extra

Rovic Syncrospread: Engineering the Solution

The Rovic Syncrospread range was engineered specifically to address these inefficiencies through controlled material flow, precise metering, and real-time rate management.

At the heart of the system is a hydraulic twin-chain conveyor, allowing independent left- and right-side control of material flow. This enables accurate boundary spreading, headland shut-off, and compensation for uneven terrain — capabilities that are not possible with conventional single-chain systems.

A lined chain floor and hopper bridge reduce the hydraulic pressure required to move material, improving durability while ensuring a consistent feed to the spinners. This design also prevents material compaction on the bin floor, lowers power demand, and reduces long-term wear.

The Syncrospread’s open discharge design, adjustable stainless-steel rear door with height scale, and drop-point adjustment allow the machine to handle a wide range of products — from light, bulky manures to dense granular fertilisers — while maintaining a stable and predictable spread pattern.

Precision You Can Measure: Accu-Spread® and AFSA Compliance

Precision spreading is not a marketing claim — it is something that can be independently verified.

The Syncrospread has been tested and accredited under the Accu-Spread® certification programme, administered by the Australian Fertiliser Services Association (AFSA). During independent testing, the Syncrospread achieved a coefficient of variation (CV) below 15% at a 36-metre spread width when applying urea, meeting stringent international standards for evenness of application.

Rovic

Accu-Spread® certification provides farmers and contractors with peace of mind that fertiliser is being applied evenly and accurately across the entire working width. It also serves as an important risk-management and compliance tool, especially in operations where nutrient stewardship and environmental accountability are becoming increasingly important.

FertCare Certification: Responsible Nutrient Management

In addition to Accu-Spread® accreditation, the Syncrospread is also FertCare certified. FertCare is an internationally recognised training and certification programme that promotes responsible nutrient application, environmental protection, and best management practices.

FertCare certification reinforces that the Syncrospread is designed not only for accuracy, but for responsible fertiliser use, helping farmers:

  • Optimise nutrient efficiency
  • Minimise over-application and runoff
  • Protect soil health and surrounding ecosystems
  • Meet evolving environmental and sustainability standards

Together, FertCare and Accu-Spread® certification position the Syncrospread as a precision tool aligned with modern nutrient stewardship principles.

Smarter Control, Less Guesswork

Modern fertiliser application demands more than mechanical reliability — it requires data-driven control.

The Syncrospread is ISOBUS-ready, compatible with leading control platforms including Topcon, GreenStar, and Raven. Optional dynamic weighing systems with load cells allow the machine to calibrate continuously while spreading, eliminating the need for repeated manual recalibration when changing products or rates.

Encoders, RPM sensors, and optional pressure sensors continuously monitor chain speed, spinner speed, and hydraulic load, ensuring accurate metering even as field conditions change.

Rovic

Built for Longevity and Return on Investment

Precision only delivers value if it lasts.

All spreading components in direct contact with fertiliser are manufactured from stainless steel, significantly improving corrosion resistance and service life. A patented rock separator, with adjustable fin spacing, removes stones before they reach the spinners, protecting bearings and reducing downtime.

Heavy-duty axles, flotation tyres, a rubber-block sprung drawbar, and optional self-steering tandem axles ensure stability, reduced soil compaction, and consistent performance across uneven terrain.

The Takeaway

Fertiliser will always represent a major investment on the farm. Losing even a small percentage of that investment to uneven spreading is a cost farmers can no longer afford.

By combining mechanical durability with certified accuracy, intelligent control, and responsible nutrient management, the Rovic Syncrospread transforms fertiliser application from a variable cost into a controlled, measurable, and compliant investment.

Because in modern farming, precision isn’t optional — it’s profit.

CAPE TOWN: 021 907 1700 | JOHANNESBURG: 011 396 6200|

EXPORT: +27 (0)11 369 6240

For more information visit www.rovic.com

AGOA Renewed: A One-Year Reprieve on a Shortening Fuse

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AGOA Renewed: A One-Year Reprieve on a Shortening Fuse

The “September Cliff” has finally been bridged, but the crossing is significantly narrower than the three-year extension originally proposed by the US House of Representatives. On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, President Donald Trump signed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) extension into law. While this restores duty-free access for over 1,800 products, the legislative victory is localized: the Senate slashed the House’s 2028 timeline to a single year.

For South African agricultural exporters, the clock is already ticking toward a 31 December 2026 expiry.

The Retroactive Refund Window

The most critical takeaway for agribusinesses is the retroactive clause. Because the program lapsed on 30 September 2025, exporters have spent four months paying Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs. The new law allows for these duties to be refunded in full.

However, the “180-day rule” is now in effect. Importers of Record must file for these refunds with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within six months of the signing date. For Western Cape wine and fruit exporters, who saw margins decimated by 10–15% duty hikes since October, this “cash back” is a vital injection of liquidity ahead of the 2026 harvest.

The “Oranges vs. Mandarins” Tariff Split

The restoration of AGOA does not mean a return to “zero-duty” across the board. The administration’s 30% reciprocal tariffs remain a dominant overlay. For citrus farmers, the impact is split:

The Reprieve: A selective exemption has been granted for South African oranges, viewing them as “non-competitive” to US growers during the American summer.

The Penalty: Higher-value “soft citrus”—including mandarins, lemons, and grapefruit—remains subject to the 30% duty.

As a 30% tariff often exceeds the entire profit margin for soft citrus, the AGOA extension provides little relief for these specific lines unless further “reciprocal tariff” negotiations, currently led by Minister Parks Tau, yield results before the April shipping window.

“Modernization” and Reciprocity

US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer has stated that 2026 will be a year of “modernization.” For the agricultural sector, this is a code word for reciprocity. The US is demanding significantly more market access for American businesses, farmers, and ranchers. We can expect high-pressure negotiations regarding South Africa’s own barriers to US poultry, grain, and pork imports as a condition for any extension beyond December.

Strategic Action for 2026

Exporters must treat this one-year window as a transition period rather than a permanent fix:

Audit Entry Records: Immediately compile all “Entry Summary” (CBP Form 7501) records for shipments sent since 1 October 2025.

Evaluate Crop Margins: Assess the viability of soft citrus and nuts against the 30% reciprocal tariff, which currently overrides AGOA benefits.

Market Diversification: With the 2027 season technically “uncovered,” expanding into AfCFTA and Far Eastern markets is no longer a long-term goal—it is a survival necessity.

While the 2026 extension offers a vital pulse for the industry, the “out-of-cycle” review and reciprocal tariffs have transformed AGOA from a stable trade pillar into a high-stakes, month-to-month survival game. For the African farmer, the message is clear: secure your US refunds now, but look to the Far East and the AfCFTA to secure your future.

Graan SA waarsku: Koringkrisis is struktureel – dringende ingryping nodig

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Graan SA waarsku: Koringkrisis is struktureel – dringende ingryping nodig

Suid-Afrika se koringbedryf staar ’n diepgaande strukturele ekonomiese krisis in die gesig wat produsente se voortbestaan, toekomstige aanplantingsbesluite en die land se langtermyn-voedselsekerheid bedreig. Dit was die kernboodskap wat na vore gekom het tydens ’n reeks streeksvergaderings wat Graan SA onlangs regoor die Wes-Kaapse wintergraanproduksiegebiede aangebied het.

Vergaderings in die Swartland, Overberg en Suid-Kaap het koringprodusente, Graan SA-leierskap en ander rolspelers byeengebring om die uitdagings in die sektor te bespreek. Oor alle streke heen was die boodskap eenvormig en dringend: onder huidige mark- en beleidsomstandighede is koringproduksie nie meer ekonomies volhoubaar nie, en gekoördineerde ingryping uit die breër waardeketting is noodsaaklik.

Nie ’n korttermyn-terugslag nie,  maar ’n strukturele knyptang

Graan SA het beklemtoon dat die krisis nie bloot aan lae internasionale pryse toegeskryf kan word nie. Produsente ervaar reeds oor verskeie seisoene ’n toenemende prys-koste-knyptang, gedryf deur strukturele tekortkominge in beleid, handel en waardekettingdinamika.

Kwessies wat konsekwent uitgelig is, sluit in volgehoue wêreldwye prysdruk, stygende insetkoste – veral vir energie, kunsmis, logistiek en meganisasie – asook die invloei van gesubsidieerde invoere wat direk met plaaslike produksie meeding. Daarby ondermyn vertraagde en onvoldoende implementering van die veranderlike invoertarief die beskermende doel daarvan.

Volgens produsente bereik invoere dikwels ’n hoogtepunt in September en Oktober, net voor die Wes-Kaap se strooptyd, wat plaaslike pryse op die kwesbaarste punt onder druk plaas. Terselfdertyd bly prysoordrag in die waardeketting swak, met produsente wat die grootste deel van die afwaartse risiko dra, terwyl verbruikerspryse relatief stabiel bly.

“Dit is nie ’n funksionerende vryemark-aanpassing nie,” het Graan SA se uitvoerende hoof, Tobias Doyer, gesê. “Dit is ’n struktureel verwronge stelsel waar produsente verliese absorbeer terwyl kostedruk elders nie teen dieselfde tempo aanpas nie.”

Invoertydsberekening en markmeganismes onder die loep

Hoewel Suid-Afrika oor beleidsinstrumente beskik om plaaslike produsente te beskerm, het produsente ernstige frustrasie uitgespreek oor stadige administratiewe reaksies. Volgens Graan SA is die probleem nie die afwesigheid van beleid nie, maar die onvermoë daarvan om betyds te reageer.

Produsente het ook kommer uitgespreek oor ongebalanseerde mededinging in die fisiese mark, veral die wisselwerking tussen die SAFEX-verwysingsprys en die huidige liggingsdifferensiaal, wat volgens hulle nie meer die realiteite van plaaslike koringmarkte weerspieël nie.

Insetkoste en gedeelde verantwoordelikheid

Benewens handels- en beleidskwessies het insetkostegedrag sterk kritiek ontlok. Ten spyte van dalende wêreldwye kommoditeitspryse en wisselkoersversterking, ervaar produsente min verligting in insetpryse. Graan SA het gewaarsku dat volhoubaarheid nie bereik kan word indien produsente alleen elke strukturele aanpassing moet dra nie.

Produsente se oorlewing is ’n nasionale belang

Graan SA doen ’n beroep op dringende, gekoördineerde ingryping om verdere kapasiteitsverlies te voorkom. Produsente waarsku dat sodra koringproduksie verlore gaan, vaardighede, infrastruktuur en produktiewe grond nie maklik herstel kan word nie.

“Koringprodusente se verdwyning sal Suid-Afrika blootstel aan groter invoerafhanklikheid en langtermyn-voedselsekerheidsrisiko’s,” het Doyer gesê. “Dit is ’n strukturele probleem wat nie langer uitgestel kan word nie.”

 

Growing Smarter: A Strategic Blueprint for the 2026 South African Wine Industry

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Growing Smarter: A Strategic Blueprint for the 2026 South African Wine Industry

The South African wine industry is currently navigating a critical “crossroad,” defined by a complex mix of declining hectares and rising production performance. At the Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day 2026, held on 22 January at ATKV Goudini Spa, industry leaders presented a strategic roadmap focused on the theme: “Grow Smarter: Harnessing Technology for the Wine Producer.” The day was designed to move producers from high-level global risks to practical, farm-level technological solutions cantered on the minimization of waste and a radical pivot toward the consumer.

Setting the Stage: Conrad Schutte and the 2026 Harvest

Conrad Schutte, Vinpro’s Managing Director, opened the day by grounding the conversation in the immediate reality of the 2026 harvest. He noted that the season approached faster than many expected, with roughly 4% to 5% of the grapes (over 26,000 tonnes) already safely in cellars. Schutte characterized the current climate as standing in the “eye of a storm,” marked by volatility and extreme weather, including recent wildfires and heat-induced sunburn on grapes.

South African Wine

To help producers mitigate these risks, he highlighted that Vinpro members now receive weekly weather forecasts to assist in proactive vineyard management. He also shared successes in virus elimination for table grape cultivars, which has directly led to improved production, better colour, and significantly increased net home income.

Economic Crossroads: Daneel Roussouw and Strategic Investment

Representing the financial backbone of the industry, Daneel Roussouw of Nedbank acknowledged that despite the decline in vineyard hectares, there remains a “positive sentiment” following a strong 2025 performance. Roussouw argued that the industry’s success depends on “strategic investment”—not just in land, but in new technologies and skills to maintain South Africa’s global competitiveness.

The Global Mirror: California’s Hard Lessons

South African Wine

International keynote Dr. Luca Brillante from California State University provided a sobering “mirror” for South African growers. California has seen a 7.5% decrease in vineyards since 2018 due to oversupply and environmental pressures. Brillante emphasized that technology must be a “hammer on the nail” to help growers stay afloat. He demonstrated how machine vision is being developed to detect biological threats, such as the Red Blotch virus, before they are visible to the human eye.

The Consumer Gap: Addressing the Drop in Usage

A standout theme was the urgent need for producers to look beyond the vineyard gate and focus on consumer behaviour. Dr. Jan Greyling issued a provocative wake-up call regarding the global shift in wine consumption. He noted that wine is currently the only major alcohol group globally that is not seeing growth, emphasizing that producers must focus on the market much more than they currently do.

Greyling pointed out that successful agricultural sectors, like the citrus industry, allocate 85% of their research budget to market intelligence, whereas the wine industry remains heavily production-focused. For wine producers, “Growing Smarter” means using digital tools to bridge the gap between the cellar and a global consumer base that is drinking less, but more selectively.

The ZZ2 Blueprint: Minimizing Waste through Transformation

Martin Jansen, CIO of the diversified farming giant ZZ2, provided an exceptional operational philosophy. For Jansen, digital transformation is about the minimization of all forms of waste—including waste of overproduction, movement, and effort.

Jansen argued that data should bring a business as close as possible to a “one-to-one supply and demand” relationship. He offered a practical “de-risking” strategy:

South African Wine

Foundations First: Secure the basics like internet, firewalls, and backups to de-escalate risk for very little money.

Focus on the “Why”: Avoid adopting technology for its own sake; every tool must improve a specific business process.

Actionable Results: Move into high-value applications like irrigation automation, where data translates into saved electricity and optimized nutrients.

The 2026 Harvest: Resilience in the Face of Extremes

The day concluded with Dr. Etienne Terblanche providing a detailed technical overview of the 2026 season. While post-harvest 2025 saw an “excellent” reserve buildup, the current season has been marked by gale-force winds and wildfires in the Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek regions.

Terblanche noted that abnormally high winds in early January increased grapevine water demand by 20-30%, potentially leading to smaller berry sizes. He also addressed the threat of “smoke taint” from the wildfires, urging producers to perform “bucket ferments” to assess risks. Despite these challenges, he urged producers to “control the controllables” and remain optimistic for a “warm and proper month” of harvest.

The Power of Networking

The value of the Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day extended beyond the stage. As Conrad Schutte noted in his opening, networking with experts and fellow conference-goers often makes a significant impact, as it allows for one-on-one conversations where specific questions can be asked and practical solutions shared. By mastering digital foundations, focusing on the vineyard “controllables,” and using data to truly understand the consumer, South African wine producers are better equipped than ever to ensure long-term sustainability.

Agri-Expo nooi suiwelvervaardigers om vir 2026 se kampioenskappe in te skryf

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Agri-Expo nooi suiwelvervaardigers om vir 2026 se kampioenskappe in te skryf

Inskrywings het geopen vir die 2026 Suid-Afrikaanse Suiwelkampioenskappe, met Agri-Expo wat suiwelvervaardigers regoor die land nooi om in te skryf vir die 193ste aanbieding van Afrika se oudste en grootste suiwelkompetisie.

Die kampioenskappe lok jaarliks sowat 1 000 inskrywings van groot, medium en klein vervaardigers oor meer as 100 klasse. Produkte word beoordeel deur ’n onafhanklike paneel kundiges, met elke klaswenner wat as SA Kampioen bekroon word. Slegs produkte van uitsonderlike gehalte kwalifiseer vir die gesogte Qualité-merk van Uitnemendheid, terwyl die produk met die hoogste algehele punt as Produk van die Jaar aangewys word.

Agri Expo

Die omvang en aansien van die kompetisie is verlede jaar onderstreep toe ’n rekordgetal 1 110 suiwelprodukte van 77 vervaardigers beoordeel is. ’n Paneel van 103 beoordelaars van 47 maatskappye het die inskrywings oor drie dae geëvalueer, met 114 SA Kampioene en 30 Qualité-bekroonde produkte wat uiteindelik aangewys is.

Volgens Breyton Milford, hoofbestuurder van Agri-Expo, bly die kampioenskappe ’n belangrike maatstaf vir uitnemendheid in die Suid-Afrikaanse suiwelbedryf. “Die volgehoue groei in inskrywings bevestig die waarde wat vervaardigers heg aan onafhanklike en geloofwaardige beoordeling,” sê Milford. “Kwaliteitsuiwelprodukte verdien erkenning en sigbaarheid by verbruikers – en dit is presies die rol wat hierdie kompetisie vervul.”

BELANGRIKE DATUMS

  • Inskrywings open: Woensdag 28 Januarie 2026
  • Inskrywings sluit: Maandag 23 Februarie 2026
  • Aflewering van produkte: 23–24 Maart 2026 (Eensgezind, Durbanville)
  • Beoordeling: 25–27 Maart 2026 (Eensgezind, Durbanville)
  • SA Suiweltoekennings-seremonie: Donderdag 23 April 2026 (Nederburg, Paarl)

Vervaardigers kan aanlyn inskryf by www.sadairychamps.co.za. Die 2026 Suid-Afrikaanse Suiwelkampioenskappe word moontlik gemaak met die ondersteuning van platinumvennote IMCD en dsm-firmenich, asook ander borge. Vir meer inligting, skakel 021 863 1599 of 083 440 1628, of stuur ’n e-pos aan [email protected].

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