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e-Newsletter
42/17
10 November 2017
POLICY AND LEGISLATION
Communal land and expropriation without compensation
 
2017 has seen an unprecedented number of policy proposals to accelerate land reform in South Africa. Some of the proposals have been bold and progressive, such as giving title to communities living communally on state land, and one must give credit where credit is due. Sadly, these positive strides could be undermined by potentially harmful proposals such as amending the constitution to allow for expropriation of land without compensation - Theo Boshoff, Agbiz Head: Legal Intelligence - Read more»
ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE

When it comes to agriculture, the Western Cape province is essential - not only because of its production of fine wines, but also because of its contribution to South Africa's agricultural labour market and the broader economy. The province is a leading employer in primary agriculture, commanding a share of 20% of the country's total labour force in the third quarter of this year. In addition, the province is the second largest contributor to the agricultural economy in terms of GDP, with a contribution of 22%.  Click here to read Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz economist's full column which first appeared in Business Day, 9 November 2017.

After declining by 5% m/m in September 2017, the South African tractor sales increased by 28% m/m in October 2017, recorded at 704 units - the highest monthly sales since February 2016. This is somewhat unsurprising given that it is a planting season and farmers need reliable tractors. With that said, we believe that the monthly sales will soften in the near term, towards completion of the planting season when activity is reduced in the fields. Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz economist provides more information in the  linked update»

Click here to read the daily market view on commodities and the weekly wrap.  
OTHER NEWS
20% discounted rate applies for Agbiz members
- Secure your participation today!
Over 600 key stakeholders are set to attend - from governments, commercial farmers, agri-businesses, financiers, project owners and the agro-processing industry - the upcoming African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) 2017 which has been developed to connect the entire agri value chain and create a deal-making environment to allow industry stakeholders to seize the opportunity of tapping into the global US$1 trillion food market. Amongst those attending are prominent agri experts who are set to address real market opportunities across the various African regions, Africa's role in global food security, agriculture at the core of the economic diversification agenda and improving the investment environment for African agriculture - Click here for more information»
Risk Managers in the agribusiness industry recognised
 
Last week Friday the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) gave recognition to pioneers leading the industry of risk management in South Africa at their annual gala dinner and award ceremony. Agbiz members were well represented with Senwes, VKB, Marsh and Nedbank all nominated as industry initiative finalists. Nedbank and Senwes emerged as the winners for the categories of 'Financial Services' and 'Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' respectively. As far as the individual awards were concerned, VKB's Francois Sieberhagen was nominated for the 'Up and Coming Risk Manager of the Year Award' whilst Agbiz CEO Dr John Purchase was nominated under the category 'Risk Influencer of the Year'. Our congratulations go out to all Agbiz members who were nominated in their respective categories.  Click to see list of winners»
- Theo Boshoff, Agbiz Head: Legal intelligence
UPCOMING EVENTS

The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) is making an annual bursary of R34 000 (THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND RAND) available to a South African student registered for a Masters or PhD degree in either agricultural economics or agribusiness management related fields, at any recognised South African university.  The c losing date for applications is 8 December 2017.  More information»
African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) 2017
20-22 November 2017 | CTICC | Cape Town
As an official partner of the AAII, Agbiz has secured a 20% discount for its members. To make use of this offer, contact Lauren Hansen on e-mail [email protected]
28 - 30 November |  Johannesburg
More information

BFAP ReNAPRI Stakeholder Conference
30 Nov - 1 Dec 2017 | Lagoon Beach Hotel | Cape Town
Information: [email protected]

International Conference on Global Food Security 
3-6 December 2017 | Cape Town
More information

VinPro Information Day
18 January 2018 | CTICC | Cape Town

AGBIZ MEMBERSHIP
Being a member of Agbiz provides various benefits and opportunities

- Agbiz is the only organisation that serves the broader and common over-arching business interests of agribusinesses in South Africa.
- Agbiz addresses the legislative and policy environment on the many fronts that it impacts on the agribusiness environment.
- Agbiz facilitates considerable top-level networking opportunities so that South African agribusinesses can play an active and creative role within the local and international organised business environment.
- Agbiz research provides sector specific information for informed decision making.
- Agbiz newsletter publishes members' press releases and member product announcements.

Please visit the Agbiz website for more information.
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In this newsletter
Communal land and expropriation without compensation
Western Cape drought weighs on broader agricultural economy
SA tractor sales at the highest level in 20 months
Daily market view on commodities and weekly wrap
AAII - 20% discounted rate applies for Agbiz members
Upcoming events
Bursary applications now open