The meeting of the CEO forum, a formal structure where the industry has a platform to engage with government, took place on 5 October 2010 at the Stellenbosch Lodge, Cape Town.
During the meeting matters that were brought forward included the status of Land restitution – reforms and post-settlement support, where it was reported that the techniques used for the land audit pilot project proved successful and the technology is in place to conduct a full audit.
Along with the Land Restitution matter, State Administered Pricing was also reported on by Dr John Purchase of the Agricultural Business Chamber (ABC). In his report he mentioned that there is a need for the department to involve institutions like the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) in a study on the impact of administered prices on food prices (how this will impact on the competitiveness of the value chains in the agro-food industry and the eventual effect on food security). In this meeting the department assured the forum that substantial progress has been made in this regard and that minimal consultation is still required to conclude the study.
There was also a report on the role of the competition commission and its effect on Commodity Associations which was presented by Mr Ronald Ramabulana, CEO of NAMC. He mentioned that a survey was conducted among industry associations and agribusinesses. He further said that the task team in this regard has met with the Competition Commission and a process is underway to hold workshops with industry members once the report emanating from the survey is completed.
The newly appointed (DAFF) Director-General (DG), Mr Langa Zita, added the reasons why agriculture, forestry and fisheries were brought together as one department. He explained that the three are biologically related programmes, which encompass the management of natural resources, and food production. In addition all these sectors have to deal with and make an impact on climate change.
The DG informed the meeting of the forthcoming World Food Day, which is set to take place on 14 October 2010 at the Reserve Bank in a form of a Food Indaba. The objective of the day is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
For more information contact:
Ms N Vutula
Tel: 012 319 7348
Cell: 082 523 4904
E-mail: CDCI@daff.gov.za
