A R2bn SA ethanol plant by 2014

Reuters reports that South Africa plans to invest 2 billion rand to build an ethanol plant and help a nascent biofuels sector that could reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel. 21 Feb 2012 10:36

A taxing meander - but in a really good way

[Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel] About four years ago while visiting Karoo lodge Samara we were encouraged to plant spekboom trees to counteract the carbon emissions we produced in getting there. That was the first time I'd consciously engaged in the impact of my life as a traveller and, rather than feel guilty about it, I was offered a neatly-packaged solution to deal with it. 20 Feb 2012 10:40

Marsh's risk service acquisition will benefit SA agriculture industry

In a statement published by local risk management company Marsh Africa in Insurance Times & Investments online publication ITInews.com, Marsh says that its recent acquisition of Alexander Forbes' Risk Service business is set to make global risk assessment and management tools available to local farmers, farmers unions and agricultural co-operatives and traders. 20 Feb 2012 10:05

AgriSA: Budget speech must reflect govt support of agriculture

Writing on Southern Africa news and politics website Politicsweb, agricultural trade association in South Africa (AgriSA) President Johannes Möller says that unabated increases in administered prices are pushing up costs. 16 Feb 2012 13:56

EU 'organic wine' rules help farmers, consumers

According to a statement released online, the Standing Committee on Organic Farming (SCOF) agreed on new European Union (EU) rules for "organic wine." The rules will be published in the Official Journal in the coming weeks, the statement says, adding that, with the new regulation, which will apply from the 2012 harvest, organic wine growers will be allowed to use the term "organic wine" on their labels. 16 Feb 2012 10:22

Coke's quest for water-wise cane

Business Day reports that Coca-Cola Company's water and sustainable agriculture director Denise Knight, who was in SA recently, says the South African sugar industry's greatest challenges are lack of access to sufficient water and the need to grow the expertise of its small farmers. 16 Feb 2012 10:13