maize
14 December 2007
On invitation from the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs Ms Lulu
Xingwana a discussion took place on Thursday, 13 December 2007, between her
department, Grain South Africa, Agri-SA and National African Farmers Union
(Nafu). The discussion focused on the decision by Cabinet to exclude maize in
the bio-fuels industrial strategy.
She informed the meeting that the decision by Cabinet was based on their
concern that there will not be sufficient maize available for the sustainable
supply to the bio-ethanol industry without impending food security.
The Minister added that it was not the purpose of Cabinet to exclude maize
if produced in surplus and that it will be possible to continue discussions in
this regard with Minister for Minerals and Energy Ms Buyelwa Sonjica and
Cabinet. Additional investigations by the bio-fuels task team is justified
provided South Africa produced more maize than used for domestic
consumption.
To further the process at this stage, it is the responsibility of the
industry to produce more maize in order to provide the Minister with the
necessary arguments in order to convince Cabinet to include maize in the
bio-fuels industrial strategy.
The most important argument to be conveyed is that the creation of new
markets for the proved surplus production capacity above current demand shall
contribute in a positive manner to food security.
For further information contact the following persons:
Dr JM Laubscher
Cell: 083 276 8031
Mr Laurie Bosman
Cell: 082 388 3000
Mr M Matlala
Cell: 082 933 4858
Enquiries:
Mr Steve Galane
Tel: 012 319 7312
Fax: 012 319 6943
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: dais@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
14 December 2007
