16.3 C
Cape Town
Friday, June 26, 2026
Home Blog Page 53

Wesgro Supports Agri-Exporters Amid Changing Global Tariffs

0

As global trade continues to evolve and tariffs remain a key focus for many exporters, Wesgro is committed to supporting exporters amid tariff changes.

Wesgro recognises the essential role that exporters play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating jobs in our province across a diverse range of sectors.

Sub-heading 1: Strengthening Trade Ties and Market Access

Exports to the US from the Western Cape totalled R16.2bn in 2024, 8% of total Western Cape exports. The US is the second biggest export market for the Western Cape. Products that are exported include citrus, flat-rolled iron and related products, wine, fruit juices, vehicle and space components to mention a few.

As the provincial Agency responsible for Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion & Facilitation, we want to ensure our stakeholders are well-supported in adapting to new tariffs.

Our focus is to ensure that businesses can navigate these challenges with confidence and support. The ongoing adjustments to international tariffs and trade regulations present both hurdles and opportunities for exporters around the world. In light of these complexities, it is more important than ever for businesses to feel empowered and equipped in uncertainty.

Sub-heading 2: Helping Exporters Navigate Tariff Changes

We have unpacked the latest developments and have prepared a succinct resource to help exporters understand the trade landscape and how to navigate the changes.

The Wesgro business FAQ covers the following trade-related topics:
• Understanding how reciprocal tariffs will be implemented
• Understanding how reciprocal tariffs will impact your product’s tariffs in the U.S.
• Understanding which products and situations are exempt from reciprocal tariffs

Click here to access the full FAQ: https://www.wesgro.co.za/export/resources/faq-navigating-united-states-tariffs

Wesgro will continue to generate tariff guidance and resources over the coming weeks.
We will provide clear, updated resources on current tariff structures, including detailed explanations of applicable rates and exemptions. Exporters can access this information from Wesgro’s social media and website. Please do not hesitate to direct your queries to [email protected].

Wesgro is focusing on unlocking access to new markets and new buyers—China, ASEAN, India, Brazil & Middle East—while maintaining a continued focus on established markets: EU, UK, USA, Africa.

Honeybush Innovation Brings Growth to Garden Route Farmers

In the misty mountains and rolling fields of the Garden Route, a new chapter is unfolding for small-scale honeybush farmers and wild harvesters. A successful demonstration of a cutting-edge honeybush processing unit has opened doors for economic growth, sustainability, and inclusion in the broader agricultural value chain. This milestone signals a turning point for the region’s honeybush industry, long celebrated for its fragrant, antioxidant-rich tea.

Bringing Technology to the People

The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), the Department of Agriculture (DOA), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) have collaborated to introduce an innovative honeybush processing unit. Recently demonstrated at the ARC Infruitec/Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch, this technology has the potential to be scaled up and rolled out across the agriculture sector, unlocking economic opportunities for local communities.

“This project is a shining example of how government entities can work together to deliver meaningful change,” said Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning. “By strengthening the honeybush value chain, we are not only supporting small-scale farmers but also enhancing the economic resilience of the Garden Route.”

Empowering Farmers and Strengthening Communities

With R1 million in funding sourced by the Garden Route District Municipality as part of a total project cost of R4 million—jointly funded by the DLG and DOA, the initiative is a crucial step in expanding honeybush production and processing. Prof. Bongani Ndimba, Research Director at ARC, emphasised the long-standing efforts to develop the honeybush industry, tracing back to 1992. “This is more than just a project—it is a commitment to supporting agro-processing and food security in the region,” he stated.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, highlighted the economic significance of this development. “The honeybush processing plant empowers smallholder farmers and wild harvesters by providing access to the value chain—from cultivation to packaging and marketing. This initiative is a key part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth from Jobs Strategy, ensuring that SMMEs contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”

A Future Built on Sustainability and Inclusion

The honeybush initiative aligns with broader regional strategies, including the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan and the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy. Garden Route District Municipality Mayor Andrew Stroebel affirmed its potential, stating, “By expanding agro-processing capabilities, we are fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient honeybush industry that benefits everyone.”

With a total project cost of R4 million—jointly funded by the DLG and DOA—implementation is set to unfold in three phases. Phase one saw the successful design and construction of the honeybush processing unit. Phase two will establish an agro-processing hub near Oudtshoorn, providing much-needed infrastructure for farmers. The final phase envisions a dynamic future, incorporating agritourism and training for aspiring tea sommeliers.

As the Western Cape continues to navigate the intersection of conservation and agriculture, the honeybush industry stands as a model for sustainable development. This initiative proves that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not opposing forces but essential partners in securing a thriving, inclusive agricultural future.

Jong Kampioene Steel die Kollig by Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe

0

Die Hoër Landbouskool Boland in die Paarl het van 3 – 5 April 2025 gasheer gespeel vir die eerste Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe wat hier aangebied is.

Dié gesogte geleentheid het sowat 200 jongmense van regoor die provinsie byeengebring om hul vaardighede in 17 afdelings, insluitend vleisbeeste, perde, pluimvee, wolskape, konyne en afslaers, ten toon te stel. Met die ondersteuning van Agri Expo, die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Landbou en borge soos Hollard, het die kampioenskappe ’n platform gebied om jeugtalent te vier en die Wes-Kaapse span vir die nasionale jeugskou later vanjaar te kies.

’n Platform vir Vaardighede en Passie

Die Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe het ’n unieke ruimte geskep waar kinders in drie ouderdomsgroepe hul liefde vir landbou en diere kon uitleef. Van die beheer van groot diere tot die fyner kuns van vertoon, het deelnemers hul selfvertroue en volwassenheid gewys.

Dr.Ivan Meyer, Wes-Kaapse Minister van Landbou, het die impak beklemtoon: “Die Wes-Kaap lewer 20% van Suid-Afrika se landbou en 11% van die bruto nasionale produk. Hierdie Jeugskou-kampioenskappe berei kinders voor om passievolle leiers in dié sektor te word.” Die geleentheid het nie net hulle  vaardighede getoets nie, maar ook die band tussen jongmense en diere versterk, wat ’n diep passie vir landbou aangewakker het.

Agri Expo se Onmisbare Rol

Agri Expo, onder leiding van uitvoerende hoof Breyton Milford, was die dryfveer agter die sukses van die kampioenskappe. Hulle befondsing en bemarkingsondersteuning het die geleentheid onvergeetlik gemaak. “Baie dankie aan Hoër Landbouskool Boland en ons borge,” het Milford gesê. “Sonder julle sou hierdie viering van jeugtalent nie moontlik gewees het nie.” Agri Expo se verbintenis tot jeugskoue bou die landbousektor se toekoms deur jongmense te inspireer en op te lei. Die 2025 Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe was ’n bewys van hul visie: ’n lewendige landbougemeenskap wat op passie en mense gefokus is.

Clanwilliam Expo 2025: Tradisie en Talent in die Hart van die Cederberg

0

Die Clanwilliam Expo vind van 10 – 12 April 2025 plaas en beloof om ’n spoggeleentheid in die hartjie van die Cederberg te wees. Hierdie jaar verwelkom die Expo ‘n rekordgetal van 73 uitstallers, waar 152 perdestalle alreeds vol bespreek is – ’n sterk bewys van die ekspo se groeiende gewildheid.

Vanjaar se Clanwilliam Expo is die 95ste wat in die dorp aangebied word. Onder leiding van president Nico Louw en ’n toegewyde bestuurspan van 15 lede, is die ekspo met groot sukses georganiseer.

Volgens Nico Louw, president van die Clanwilliam Expo, is die 2025-ekspo die tweede in ’n nuwe era van sukses. “Elke lid van ons span het hul alles gegee,” sê hy, “en ons is opreg dankbaar vir die ondersteuning van borge en die gemeenskap.”

Die program is propvol aktiwiteite – van die Santam Damesoggend en potjiekoskompetisie tot die Boerbok-, Melkbok- en Dorperskou, asook hoogtepunte soos die Skoukoningin-kompetisie en die gewilde Vlaamperd Streekskou.

Jeugskou: Die Toekoms van Landbou

Een van die trots van die Clanwilliam Expo is die Jeugskou, wat vir baie jong deelnemers hul eerste smaak van landboukompetisie bied. Die Jeugskou het aktiwiteite op al drie hoofdae van die ekspo – met beginners en junior deelnemers op Donderdag, en junior & senior kampioenskappe wat later op die program plaasvind. Kinders van verskillende skole neem deel en skou diere soos boerbokke, melkbokke, vleisskape, Angora bokke en selfs pluimvee. Die Jeugskou leer kinders nie net oor dieresorg en boerderypraktyke nie, maar ook oor dissipline, verantwoordelikheid en spanwerk – kernwaardes vir volhoubare landbou in die toekoms.

Gemeenskap, Vermaak en Ekonomiese Impak

Die Expo bied iets vir almal – van die plaaslike gemeenskap tot besoekers van reg oor die streek. Vrydagaand sluit af met ‘Skoudans en Kuier met Appel’, en Saterdag spog met ’n vol konsertprogram in die kuiertent met kunstenaars soos Brandan Miles, Mirandi, Tamlyn Wessels, Brendan Peyper en Snotkop. Intussen is die Arena besig met perdevertonings, Rieldansers en die gewilde Wa-spanne van agt Vlaamperde.

Agri-Expo, die oudste landbougenootskap in Suid-Afrika, ondersteun hierdie inisiatief as deel van hul volhoubare landboustrategie. Die Clanwilliam Expo is ’n belangrike landbou- en gemeenskapsbate in die streek, wat ontwikkeling, opvoeding en plaaslike ekonomie bevorder.

Vergelegen Photo Contest Showcases Agricultural Estate’s Natural Splendour and Community Spirit

0

Vergelegen Wine Estate’s natural beauty inspires both professional and amateur photographers to capture its charm – and this year, the third edition of the popular Essence of Vergelegen photographic contest attracted over 500 entries.

The winners were announced on Thursday, 27 March, at a celebration attended by 25 finalists and their families. Their photographs were displayed at the estate’s Stables restaurant.

Prizes included photographic equipment sponsored by Orms Direct photographic store, plus Vergelegen restaurant vouchers, wine, and experiences. There were several categories, judged by both Vergelegen and Orms Direct staff.

  • Camera class (taken on any camera, with or without lenses);
  • Smartphone class (taken on a cellphone or mobile device);
  • Junior class (16 years and under, image taken on any device); and
  • People’s choice, voted for by guests at the finalists’ function.
Vergelegen
Photo credit: Zachari Davies

Camera class

Winner Michelle Becker, who lives in Muizenberg, visits Vergelegen frequently as her parents live in Somerset West.

“I first entered the contest two years ago, and was struck by finalists’ photographs that included people,” said Michelle. “I wanted to capture someone interacting with Vergelegen, so portrayed my sister Heidi du Toit admiring the estate’s flowers when she was in South Africa, from Rwanda.”

“Everyone loved and resonated with that photograph,” added Vergelegen MD Wayne Coetzer.

Second prize went to Shanté Hutton, and third place to Jean-Luc Lamarque.

Smartphone class

Stu Summerfield, a Somerset West resident and frequent Vergelegen visitor, captured a winning photograph of the Lourens River, which flows through the estate.

Second place went to Roger Molyneux, and third place to Shannon Lynn.

Junior class

Thirteen-year-old Zachari Davies, a grade seven learner at Applewood Preparatory School in Grabouw, lives near Vergelegen and visits the estate frequently with his family. His winning photograph of the farm’s entrance gates, with a striking sunset illuminating clouds and mountains in the background, was taken the evening before his birthday.

Second place went to Rachel Dillon, and third prize jointly to Isaiah Adriaans and Calista Mitchell.

People’s choice

Freelance photographer Christiaan Cloete lives in Stellenbosch, but is a regular visitor to Vergelegen. “I always admire reflections – if you get very close to the water, you can see the detail,” he said of his black and white photograph capturing water lilies in a pond.

MD Wayner Coetzer thanked everyone who entered the contest.  “It’s just unbelievable to see some of the photos – we realise afresh what a gem we have here, to be enjoyed by locals and visitors from further afield.”

Marketing manager Caroline van Schalkwyk thanked Orms Direct for their generous sponsorship, and for overseeing the judging process. “Orms will soon be opening a branch in Waterstone Village shopping centre, and we encourage you to support them.”

Vergelegen is open daily to the public, 08h30-17h00 (last entry at 16h00). See https://vergelegen.co.za/

Food Prices Show Signs of Relief, but Competition Watchdog Urges Continued Monitoring

0

The latest Essential Food Pricing Monitoring (EFPM) Report, released by the Competition Commission on 27 March 2025, reveals that while some food prices are beginning to decline, the changes remain modest. The Commission stresses the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure that when input costs decrease, those savings are fairly and promptly passed along the value chain to retailers and ultimately, consumers.

The EFPM report tracks prices across various essential food items, including sunflower oil, brown bread, canned pilchards, eggs, and individually quick frozen (IQF) chicken. A key focus is the spread between producer and retail prices, helping to identify where pricing gaps are expanding or narrowing. This analysis, based on publicly available data, is not aimed at identifying anti-competitive conduct but rather assessing how pricing changes move through the value chain.

Notable Product Trends

Sunflower oil remains under scrutiny, as the producer-to-retail price spread has reached its highest point since 2021. Although price responsiveness has improved, the elevated spread suggests consumers are still not seeing full relief at the till.

Canned pilchards, on the other hand, present a more encouraging picture. The spread between producer and retail prices has been decreasing over the past six months, indicating continued restraint in pricing practices by both producers and retailers.

Egg prices have also shown improvement. Producer prices are now lower than they were in November 2023, suggesting that the egg sector is recovering. This rebound is attributed to a combination of private and public efforts, including enhanced biosecurity protocols, fertilised egg imports, and tariff rebates.

Meanwhile, the average retail price of brown bread has declined, providing some financial relief on a key staple for South African households.

White Maize Market Faces Climatic Challenges

The EFPM report also explores the challenges in the South African white maize market during the 2024/25 maize marketing season. The region experienced significant midsummer dryness in February and March 2024, a crucial time for crop development. This weather disruption led to a surge in demand for South African white maize, both locally and in key export markets.

As a result, white maize prices have risen above import parity levels—a notable shift from the norm during strong harvest seasons when prices typically fall below export parity levels. However, these higher prices have not yet fully reached the producer and retail levels for maize meal. Factors such as price transmission delays, strong opening stock levels, and increased downstream supply are helping buffer consumers for now.

The Importance of Transparency

The Commission’s ongoing monitoring efforts play a critical role in promoting transparency and ensuring fairness in the food value chain. This report highlights not only the impacts of climate and market forces on pricing but also the need for timely information to keep both consumers and regulators informed.

Simultaneous Apple Arrivals Disrupt Global Markets

0

South African apple exporters are facing serious challenges after weeks of weather-related disruption at the Cape Town Container Terminal resulted in widespread shipping delays. Apple shipments intended to arrive in overseas markets over two weeks instead landed simultaneously, causing price fluctuations, logistical bottlenecks, and increased pressure on the supply chain.

Ripple Effects Across the Supply Chain

Roelf Pienaar, Managing Director of  Tru-Cape, one of the country’s leading apple and pear exporters, said the delays in cargo handling have created a ripple effect throughout the logistics network. “It’s impacting container availability, trucking operations, and ultimately, our ability to get produce to market,” he explained.

Extreme Weather Brings Terminal to a Standstill

The setbacks followed extreme winds between late February and early March, with gusts reaching 100–120 km/h, forcing port operations to a near standstill. Over 200 operational hours were lost, and twelve vessels were left waiting at anchor. The sudden influx of product into global markets has disrupted planned sales cycles and hurt prices.

Depots and Trucking Networks Overwhelmed

Depots are struggling to manage the backlog, and the scarcity of empty containers is compounding the problem. Trucking operations have also been affected, as delayed pickups and deliveries create a domino effect across the supply chain. Exporters are being forced to reschedule shipments, often missing key market windows that can’t be recovered.

Costly Alternatives Not Feasible

Pienaar emphasised that for Western Cape-based companies, rerouting shipments to Durban or Gqeberha isn’t feasible due to high costs—up to $3 (R55) extra per carton, which cannot be absorbed by the market. He expressed concern that operational performance remains far below international standards. “Gross crane moves per hour, a key metric, averages around 15. Globally, we should be seeing 26 to 30. In 2012, this port operated at 33.”

Industry Calls for Urgent Reform

While welcoming new port management and added equipment, Pienaar believes the core issues are still unresolved. He advocates for urgent interventions and long-term strategies, including private sector involvement, to stabilize logistics and support future growth. “Export volumes are only going to increase as young orchards come into production. We must act now to avoid long-term damage to the industry.”

Piet Lotz herskryf die rekordboeke by die Groot Pampoenfees

0

Wanneer ‘n pampoen die skaal op 1120 kg laat kreun – swaarder as ‘n volwasse bees – weet jy jy’s nie by ‘n gewone fees nie. Dis die Groot Pampoenfees in Heidelberg, waar landbou, rekordhouers en gemeenskapsgees mekaar elke jaar ontmoet.

Die fees het vanjaar van 27 tot 29 Maart 2025 plaasgevind, en soos elke jaar het dit honderde besoekers van regoor die land gelok vir ’n naweek vol boerepret en pampoenprestasie.

’n Nuwe Suid-Afrikaanse pampoenrekord

Die hoogtepunt van die naweek het op Saterdag, 29 Maart afgespeel, toe Piet Lotz van Riversdal nie net een nie, maar twee reusepampoene ingeskryf het – albei swaarder as die bestaande Suid-Afrikaanse rekord.

Sy eerste pampoen het 1062 kg geweeg, maar dit was die tweede een wat geskiedenis gemaak het: 1120 kg – ’n nuwe SA rekord.

Groot Pampoenfees

Lotz is daarmee as die SA Pampoenkampioen gekroon. André du Plessis het tweede geëindig met ’n pampoen van 954 kg, en Pieter Conradie, die vorige rekordhouer, het derde geëindig met 737 kg.

Lotz het ’n kontantprys van R20 000 gewen, plus ’n bonus van R30 000 vir die rekordbrekende pampoen. Sy vrou Elizna en hul tweelingseuns was aan sy sy om dié spesiale oomblik te vier.

Feespret vir oud en jonk

Die Groot Pampoenfees het afgeskop met ’n gholfdag by die Heidelberg Gholfklub, gevolg deur drie dae van vermaak, sport en plaaslewe. Van die gewildste aktiwiteite was die 4×4-kompetisie naby Witsand, ’n rolbalkompetisie, en talle kos- en handwerkstalletjies wat die strate van Heidelberg met geur en kleur vul. Musiekliefhebbers is ook bederf met optredes deur bekende kunstenaars soos Die Heuwels Fantasties, Sunset Sweatshop en ander plaaslike talent wat op die verhoog gesorg het vir ware Suid-Afrikaanse gees en atmosfeer.

Van jong kinders wat hul gesigte laat verf het, tot boere wat met bewondering na die reusepampoene gestaan en kyk het – die fees het iets vir almal gebied.

Meer as net ’n pampoenfees

Wat hierdie fees só uniek maak, is nie net die enorme groente nie, maar die samehorigheid van die gemeenskap, die viering van landbou, en die trots waarmee produsente soos Lotz hul harde werk wys.

Die Groot Pampoenfees is nie net ’n kompetisie nie – dis ’n viering van innovasie, volharding en die buitengewone moontlikhede van plaaslewe.

In 2025 het Heidelberg weer gewys: op Suid-Kaapse grond groei daar nie net pampoene nie – daar groei legendes.

South African Lemons Enter India as 2025 Citrus Season Begins

0

The first shipment of South African lemons for the 2025 season arrived in India this week. This arrival is also the very first shipment of lemons exported to India by FruitOne, a local citrus cultivation and export company.

“We are delighted to announce the arrival of the first shipment of South African lemons in India for the season,” said Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA). “This shipment signifies the strong trade relationship between South Africa and India. It starts the season and hopefully also starts an era of increased exports and opportunities for our two countries.”

FruitOne Expands Citrus Portfolio in India

Leardt van der Burgh, Head of Commercial at exporter FruitOne, said: “India, just because of its sheer population size and its growing middle-class, is important to South African fruit’s future. The FruitOne brand is known in India, and it is important for us to supply the whole citrus basket to this market. Adding lemons to this basket in 2025 is a big step forward in this regard. “The shipment of 1600 cartons of lemons arrived in Jawaharlal Nehru Port on the vessel Navios Verde and was welcomed by importers IG International.

Indian Consumers Appreciate South African Citrus

Sachin Khurana, the CGA’s trade representative in India, said: “In India, there is a noticeable appreciation of South African citrus and its juiciness, vibrant colour, and fresh flavour. For five months of the year – when the produce of India’s own citrus growers is out of season, South Africa sustains Indian consumers.” South Africa also exports oranges, mandarins, and grapefruit to India.

Citrus Trade Growth Continues, But Tariffs Remain a Challenge

Ntshabele pointed out that citrus exports to India have increased significantly. Since 2020, citrus exports have almost tripled to 30,000 tonnes. But he also mentioned an obstacle to further growth. “A steep citrus import tariff of 30% keeps South African growers and the citrus-loving Indian consumer from benefiting even more,” Ntshabele said. He expressed the hope that the progress already made in trade relations between SA and India continues.

 Export Targets and Trade Missions

Expanded market access for South African citrus is the cornerstone of the CGA’s goal to export 260 million 15kg cartons of citrus by 2032, which will create an estimated 100,000 more jobs and contribute significantly to export-led growth in the economy.

A group of CGA representatives will be travelling to India next week as part of a Fruit SA delegation. They will meet with the Indian government, the South African High Commission and also have a presence at Fresh Produce India in Mumbai, a leading trade gathering.

Positive Outlook for 2025 Citrus Season

The South African lemon season is looking good, with better sizing compared to 2024. The South African volume for 2025 seems to match the global demand well – with 32.9 million cartons expected to be exported in total – and a stable market is anticipated.

Western Cape Welcomes Hemp and Cannabis Policy Review for Economic Growth and Job Creation

0

Western Cape Government Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer has welcomed the decision by Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to withdraw the Regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) prohibiting the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis.

Minister Meyer said, ” This will allow for comprehensive public consultation, ensuring that all voices, including those of business and health experts, are heard. This will lead to the development of policies and rules that support the potential of the cannabis and hemp industry to generate jobs, improve public health, and boost economic growth.”

“The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Western Cape Cannabis Framework and Implementation Plan (also known as the CanPlan), launched in March 2023, is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed insights into the current and future scenario (production, processing, exports) of cannabis and hemp in the agricultural sector”, continued Minister Meyer.

“One of the Government of National Unity (GNU) objectives is inclusive growth. So we must protect jobs and support the value chain. Let us use the consultation period to fully appreciate the value chain of this sector, including research, biotech and testing capability, IT and logistics, brand-building, agriculture and agri-processing and infrastructure. A comprehensive understanding will be crucial in maximising the contribution the cannabis and hemp value chain can make to the Western Cape’s economic, social and environmental objectives,” concluded the Minister.

To learn more about the CanPlan, go to:

https://www.elsenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/W.Cape-CanPlan-Final-report-8-March2023.pdf