The Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson met with a delegation from Grain South Africa led by the Chairperson, Mr Neels Ferreira as part of continued and regular stakeholder interactions focusing on issues of agricultural production and giving feedback on the International Trade Administration Commission meeting of 9 March 2010 regarding Grain South Africa’s application for the increase of import duty on wheat to protect the local producers.
“Basically, we updated the industry about the ITAC decision of 9 March 2010, regarding the application tabled to protect the local wheat industry against subsidised imports as well as to encourage sure increased domestic production. To this effect, Minister Rob Davies will communicate the decision as soon as the process has been completed.” Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson said.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has a representative commissioner in ITAC.
“The department is actively involved in decision making at this body further ensuring representation of the interests of the local agricultural, forestry and fisheries producers in trade matters.” Joemat-Pettersson stated.
ITAC is a trade regulatory body that aims to create an enabling environment for fair trade through among others protecting local produce.
Priscilla Tsotso Sehoole
Tel: 012 319 7017
Fax: 012 319 7858
Mobile: 083 265 8728
E-mail: CCO@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
15 March 2010
