During the ANC's 54th National Elective conference in December 2017, it was announced that a decision has been made to amend the constitution to allow for land expropriation without compensation, provided that it is sustainable and does not harm the financial sector or food security. In the absence of a policy paper or explanatory memorandum, it remains unknown how the party intends to give effect to these seemingly competing interests. In order to stimulate public debate around the issue, researchers from Agbiz have attempted to unpack the possible modalities of the announcement by using a scenario-based approach. The  document linked  is for discussion purposes only and does not in any way represent the views or positions of Agbiz, but are merely meant to stimulate discussion on the topic.

After the solid performance of 19% y/y increase in December 2017, the South African tractor sales were again up by 10% y/y in January 2018, with 527 units sold. This was somewhat surprising given that the area planted with summer crops declined in the 2017/18 production year. With that said, we believe that the uptick was due to a fairly stronger domestic currency, as well as late plantings in the western parts of the country. As expected, the combine harvester sales fell by 50% y/y with only 8 units sold, due to reduced activity and poor yields in the winter crop growing areas. Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz economist provides more information in the  linked update»

"The biggest agricultural story in South Africa in the last week of January 2018 was the release of the preliminary summer crop-planting estimates," writes Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz economist in an article published  in the HuffPost. "This is an important data print. It signals the potential size of South Africa's grain and oilseed production for a particular season, and therefore has a direct impact on all South Africans in terms of our national food supplies." - Read more»

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- www.bloomberg.com

Louis Dreyfus Co. , one of the world's biggest foodstuffs traders, teamed up with Dutch and French banks in December for what it says is the first agricultural commodity trade to use the ledger-based digital technology known as blockchain. For blockchain to succeed in helping traders cut costs and deal times, however, industrywide adoption of standardized platforms and systems will be needed. That's why banks are teaming with the biggest trading houses such as LDC on early blockchain tests.   Read more»

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»