Chinese fund to increase agriculture investment in Africa

China-Africa Development Fund (CADFund) is considering partnerships with agriculture development banks in some African countries in order to expand its investments on the continent, CADFund's vice president Hu Zhirong said, according to Allafrica.com. 22 May 2012 13:45

US to invest US$3bn in African agriculture - Obama

Over 45 companies have committed to a multi-billion dollar investment in Africa's agricultural sector as part of the G8's New Alliance for Food and Nutrition Security initiative, US President Barack Obama announced. 21 May 2012 11:48

AfriSam brings food sustainability to rural community

A year ago, women from Rethabiseng, outside Bronkhorstspruit in Gauteng, were struggling to make a living off the sales of their chickens to the local community. Today, just twelve months on, a multi-million rand enterprise development initiative from AfriSam will see these women's dream of having a good income from sustainable farming come true. 28 May 2012 07:20

SA Apple exporters ditch EU for Asia, Middle East markets

According to estimates in a US Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Global Agricultural Information Network report released last week, South African apple exports are expected to show a 7% year-on-year increase this season to 340,000 metric tons with expanded markets in the Middle East and Asia. 23 May 2012 13:36

Partnership to address Africa's agricultural challenges

Weekend Argus reports that the World Trade Centre (WTC) and Agri Mega Group (AMG) have forged ties to address Africa's agricultural challenges and to position the continent to become the food hub of the world by signing a memorandum of agreement in Cape Town recently. 28 May 2012 12:22

Labour laws to set new course

In March, cabinet approved the submission of the amendment bills for the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) to Parliament. The two will deal with the phenomenon of labour broking and child labour, among other things. 2 May 2012 07:08

First SA black female agri-economist PhD graduates

The North West University Mafikeng campus scored a first during its recent graduation when graduate Karabo Mabe became the first black woman in South Africa to attain a PhD in agricultural economics. 16 May 2012 12:37

Nampo 2012 showcases its first complete wheat mill

Engineering News reports that this year's Grain SA Nampo Harvest Day will feature its first-ever complete wheat mill display, courtesy of Kroonstad-based mill provider Maize Master, who plans to launch the improved small system wheat mill at the event. 15 May 2012 13:32

Fear of nationalisation, labour laws, inhibit investments in agriculture

South African policies on agriculture and farming need to be addressed to ensure sustainable farming, investment and security of food supply in the future, said agriculture union TAU-SA general manager Bennie van Zyl. He added that - as concerns grew over land ownership - many skilled farmers were leaving the industry and even the country, reducing commercial farming skills and output, Engineering News reports. 25 May 2012 13:40

State to spend R2,7bn buying farmland to redistribute

The government plans to spend R2,7bn buying more than 320000ha of agricultural land during the current financial year in a bid to advance its land reform programme, says Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti. 25 May 2012 11:35

Ford supports NAMPO Agricultural Show

Ford will once again participate in the largest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere, Nampo. Taking place at Nampo Park in the Free State from 15 to 18 May 2012 the event is the highlight of the year for the agricultural community. Ford has been an ardent supporter of the show for many years and will once again display its products and be on-hand to interact with the public. 16 May 2012 07:40

US seminar highlights importance of food security

In the midst of the prevailing economic crisis and a burgeoning world population, the availability of food and people's access to it, is a pressing global issue with important ramifications for human health and the productivity and growth of affected countries. Highlighting the importance of food security and strategies to address it in the Southern African region, were the key messages at the USA Food Security Seminar, hosted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Sandton. 24 May 2012 16:35

Africa will benefit from organic agriculture

Shifting towards organic farming will be good for Africa's nutritional needs, the environment, farmers' incomes, African markets and employment, said United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov. 16 May 2012 08:22