April 2010 DAFF Official newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Also in this issue: Departmental News Stronger bonds formed 3 between SA and Uganda.

Provincial News

4 Gauteng farmworkers’ summit.

By Thuli Dube International News 5 SACAU annual conference. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in this financial year is to ensure security on the farms, particularly safeguarding both farm workers and their employers. This came out of the Budget Vote speech that was delivered on 13 April in Cape Town. Departmental News “The cruel events of the past couple of Administration Balemi ba Lekoa, women 6 feeding the nation. weeks remind us again of the centrality The process to transfer the bulk of the and presence of rural with fisheries management function was inun- its attendant contradictions and conflicts,” dated with challenges, delaying the transi- Sector News said Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries tion process of the new department. Minister Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson. “By the end of May the entire function 8 Wine industry launches According to the Minister, to survive and of fisheries will be with the DAFF as an- first sustainability seal. expand, commercial agriculture has to nounced by the President to the Hawston work with the state despite its formidable Community,” said Minister Joemat- credentials. “In this regard we have had Pettersson. Departmental News and will continue to have sound relations She further said that the department will with NAFU, TAU SA and AgriSA,” she strengthen human resource development Technology demonstration said. programmes to address weaknesses in its 9 centre for agriculture. The democratic government has to navi- support for agrarian reform beneficiaries. gate a path of agrarian change that does Together with domestic and international justice to the majority of the people while partners it will implement scarce skills Sector News protecting the interests of commercial development programmes. players as part of the national interest. “The department is prioritising resources Weather made grapes Such agrarian change should involve the to the tune of R10 million for local training 10 harvesting demanding. support of subsistence food production to programmes to mobilise the youth into allow the growth of smallholder farming agriculture,” she said. and the retention of a competitive com- News mercial sector. Economic Development Markets Sector and Trade Animal traction project in This year’s budget focused on seven “A critical measuring rod for our term 12 Limpopo Province. issues: of office will be the extent to which our

to p 2 Departmental

from p 1 it wants to give black farmers a realistic “In dealing with this challenge we will chance to improve production, increase implement the annual plans of operations policies create momentum toward the yields and access domestic and global with assistance from the Working for For- creation of jobs, food security and sustain- markets.” ests programme.” able livelihoods. The aim is also to help 50 000 black The department has budgeted R501.4 “To achieve this, agricultural policies subsistence producers to become small- million for the coming year to assist in must address our economic development holder producers. minimising the degradation of wetlands. challenges,” said Joemat-Pettersson. “We will adopt a climate change sector Increased trade will result in increased Fisheries Management plan and establish improved early warn- value in terms of jobs created, improved The fishing industry has an annual turno- ing systems.” incomes and efficient industries. “It is thus ver of about R6 billion and contributes 0,5 imperative that South Africa enhances % of the GDP. “We have established that Policy, Planning, Monitoring and intra-Africa trade for the benefit of us all, South Africa has great potential for aqua- Evaluation as President had suggested culture production, that could increase The value chains of the departmental in his State of The Nation Address,” said from the current level of 3 543 tons to components provide food security for the Minister. more than 90 000 tons over the next 10 the country and earn reasonable foreign She mentioned that the department will to 20 years,” said Joemat-Pettersson. The exchange earnings for South Africa. “It is focus on manufacturing and process- industry will have an employment potential thus critical that both government policy ing, infrastructure development and of more than 44 000 people. and strategy interventions and private sec- investment, the green economy and rural At the moment the department is working tor expectations are managed judiciously,” development to ensure sustainable eco- with China as one of its strategic partners. said Joemat-Pettersson. nomic growth especially in aquaculture, “We are building an aquaculture research agro-processing and agro-industries. “The and development centre at Xhariep Dam Agriculture Production, Health and sector’s contribution to the GDP will be in Free State,” she said. “This will enable Food Safety increased by the level of public and private us to achieve the above objective.” “Food Safety and Food Health has be- investment for agricultural, forestry and come such an increasingly sensitive trade fisheries products. Forestry Production and Resource matter to a point where some nations seek Management to use them against developing nations,” Food Security and Agrarian Re- It is known that forests are the lungs of said the Minister. form our planet, and our forest programme The country has seen incidents such as The department will launch an extensive pursues sustainable management and Rift Valley fever, foot and mouth disease nationwide mechanisation programme. efficient use of natural resources. and avian flu as well as increased fruit fly “In the interim, R100 million has been “Our country is presently faced with the infestations for some orchards lately. “The allocated towards the mechanisation pro- shortage of timber which threatens the department will work together with the gramme in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu- sustainability of local sawmilling, pulp and private sector to maximise the use of avail- Natal,” she said. paper operations and consequently poses able resources in order to respond com- “Government is moving away from a threat to employment opportunities and prehensively to disease management and providing gardening implements; instead local economies,” said Joemat-Pettersson. cross-border management,” she said.

Reporters Thuli Dube (012) 319 7929 [email protected] DAFFnews is the newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Samuel Kgatla (012) 319 7181 [email protected] Fisheries. Private Bag X250, PRETORIA 0001. Innocent Mhlanga (012) 319 7827 [email protected] It is published by the Directorate Agricultural Information Services, Private Bag Rony Moremi (012) 319 6622 [email protected] X144, PRETORIA 0001. Percy Sepaela (012) 319 6866 [email protected] Mercia Smith (012) 319 6666 [email protected] Opinions expressed in the DAFFnews are not necessarily those of the editorial Subeditor Ruben Mitchell (012) 319 7183 [email protected] team. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced or transmitted in any form Distribution Pam Sutherland (012) 319 7104 [email protected] or by any means, including photocopying, recording or any information storage Photographer Fanie Mahlangu (012) 319 6654 [email protected] or retrieval system without prior permission from the editor.

2 April 2010 DAFFnews No. 4 Departmental Stronger bonds formed between SA and Uganda through agriculture By Thuli Dube

From March 24 to March 26, President cessing and sustaining markets for agri- the Zoo-sanitary and Phytosanitary MoUs Jacob Zuma led a strong delegation cultural products in South Africa, livestock into one Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) made up of Cabinet ministers and the health and breeding, crop research and MoU. It was also agreed that the MoU South African business representatives protection measures focusing on post- on General Bilateral Cooperation in the in Uganda. Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson harvest technologies, capacitating public Field of Agriculture and Fisheries would was among them. During this trip, President Zuma met his Ugandan institutions to respond to the challenges be concluded. counterpart, President Yoweri Mu- facing subsistence and smallholder farm- Moreover, the agricultural sector agreed seveni. ers, sharing of experiences with regard to to the creation of a Joint Management The delegation included the Minister extension approaches and the develop- Committee (JMC) to monitor the imple- of International Relations and Coop- ment of fresh water aquaculture. mentation of MoUs relating to the agricul- eration, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Furthermore, the Ministers agreed on tural field, and to develop a programme High Commissioner Designate Mr Jon of action directed by high-priority areas Qwelane, the Minister of Defence, Ms within 30 days of signing the MoUs. , the Minister of Science During the visit, Minister The bilateral engagement further fo- and Technology, Dr , the Joemat-Pettersson met with cused in-depth on climate change, water Minister of Water and Environmental Af- the Minister of Agriculture, resource management and sustainable fairs, Ms , the Minister of Animal Industry and Fish- development, which included talks on Public Works, Mr Geoff Doidge, the Min- eries of Uganda, Mr Hope water pollution, sanitation, environmental ister of Trade and Industry Mr Rob Davis, Mwesigye, to discuss and impact management, meteorology moni- and Minister of Social Development, Ms finalise work on the MoUs toring as well as sharing of information . The Cabinet members all on the General Bilateral and experience. What was identified was signed a number of Memorandums of Cooperation in the Field of the need for coordinated projects focusing Understanding (MoUs). Agriculture and Bilateral on bulk water transportation and rainwater The two heads of state expressed their Cooperation in Zoo-sanitary harvesting. A bilateral visit has been ar- mutual satisfaction with the strong bond of and Phytosanitary measures. ranged for June this year, when a broader friendship between the countries. In light framework for an MoU will be discussed of this visit, both states are determined to in detail. strengthen ties and expand cooperation Ministers further discussed the need in the fields of agriculture, environmental to collaborate on agribusiness develop- and water affairs, trade, investment, sci- steps for strengthening collaboration in ment, downstream value adding and ence and technology, social development, agricultural research and diagnostic and agro-processing activities including fruit, energy, defence and public works. animal disease vaccine development, grains, dairy, meat and other animal During the visit, Minister Joemat-Petters- and partnering with the private sector products, cassava, tea, coffee, cocoa, son met with the Minister of Agriculture, and multilateral agencies for purposes of tobacco as well as agricultural mechani- Animal Industry and Fisheries of Uganda, implementation. sation and commercialisation of farming Mr Hope Mwesigye, to discuss and finalise Apart from the agricultural ministers’ enterprises. work on the MoUs on the General Bilateral meeting, further possibilities, outside of The MoUs should be finalised soon and Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture and agriculture and aquaculture, were iden- both ministers agreed to sign the two by Bilateral Cooperation in Zoo-sanitary and tified to strengthen economic relations 10 May or at their earliest convenience. Phytosanitary measures. based on partnerships in all areas of The JMC will be announced on the day the Both Ministers agreed to prioritise the economic activity between South Africa MoUs are signed, and will be reporting to following areas for implementation: ac- and Uganda. On agricultural coopera- the Ministers on progress in the implemen- tion, the delegations agreed to combine tation of the MoUs on a quarterly basis.

No. 4 DAFFnews April 2010 3 Provincial Gauteng farm workers’ summit

By Samuel Kgatla

Building towards the National Sum- • Lack of regulation in terms of work- five minutes mit to be hosted later this year, the ing hours • Failure by government to take time Gauteng Department of Agriculture • Maternity leading to job losses de- to respond to farm workers’ needs and Rural Development held a fruitful spite many years’ service The report on the outcome of the sum- provincial Farm Workers’ Summit at • Low wages and lack of salary slips mit will be presented at the forthcoming Turffontein Race Course in April. The purpose of the summit was to foster • Working under surveillance cam- national summit to be hosted in Cape cordial relations between farmers, eras Town by the Department of Agriculture, farm workers and farm dwellers. • Refusal to allow farm workers to Forestry and Fisheries. The Premier of Gauteng Province, Ms relieve themselves for more than Nomvula Mokonyane, said farmers and farm workers live together, but surprisingly some fight almost every day. “Farmers live under constant fear be- cause of the way they ill-treat their own workers. Safety and security in the agricul- ture sector has become an issue that must be addressed immediately. Statistics about farm workers’ eviction, living conditions, and farmer and farm worker murders paint a disturbing picture for us. The justice sys- tem must accelerate in dealing with those cases of farmers and farm workers. We need a victim support system to deal with these kinds of challenges. Eviction and killing of farm workers undermine the spirit of our constitution,” she said. She continued: “Farm dwellers also Ms Nokuthula Sikakane: Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee make it worse by bringing their relatives on Agriculture and Rural Development and Gauteng Premier, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane. into farms. Farmers only employ workers and not workers’ relatives. South African land should be shared by those people who work and live in it. Both farmers and farm workers need each other to make this sector work in order to develop our economy. The media is also on serious note for reporting only on farmer and farm worker killings and not on their relations and workers’ difficulties”. Mokonyane explained that the summit will help government to develop a compre- hensive report on the plight of farm work- ers and can change people’s perception of farmers and their workers. Problems faced by farm workers include: • Exploitation of foreign farm worker by South African Police Services and farmers who do not pay them • Rejection of farm workers who fall Farm Workers during the Gauteng Farm Workers’ Summit. sick

4 April 2010 DAFFnews No. 4 Sector SACAU annual conference

By Rony Moremi

The Southern African Confederation re-elected for a second term as president. Farmers Union) and Mr Theo de Jager of Agricultural Unions held its 2010 Mr Abiel Banda from the Farmers Union of (Agri-SA). Mr Ishmael Sunga, CEO of annual conference from 29 to 30 Malawi and Mr Salum Shamte of the Agri- SACAU, is Secretary to the Board. March 2010 at Muldersdrift, Misty Hills cultural Council of Tanzania were elected The AGM resolved that the theme of Country Hotel Conference Centre. The as vice-presidents. The other board mem- the next SACAU policy conference will be theme for this year’s conference was “Land in Southern Africa – key issues bers are Mrs Effatah Jele (Zambia National Biotechnology in Agriculture. for farmers”. The confederation is a regional farmers’ organisation that was established in 1992 and has a membership of 15 national farmer unions in 11 Southern African prov- inces. SACAU can arguably be regarded as the voice for large and smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. Based on the theme of the conference, issues relating to land and the notoriously common land grabs in Southern Africa were discussed. Owing to the complex- ity of land issues in Southern Africa, the primary concern of the conference was on land as the basis for agricultural enter- prise. Key land issues such as the role of land in poverty reduction, the importance of tenure security and land administration, the relationship between agriculture and economic development, the implications for farming of the politics around land and land reform, and land and the environ- ment in relation to farming were discussed at the conference. Dr Michael Aliber, a senior researcher Some of the delegates at the SACAU conference at the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agra- rian Studies (PLAAS) said that land is a serious issue with respect to production. He also added that land reform failures could have a huge impact on the entire subcontinent. Professor Sam Moyo from the African Institute for Agrarian Studies concurred with him when he said that a relationship between land failures and policies that are governing them needed to be established. A new board was elected during the An- Prof Johann Kirsten, Head of nual General Meeting (AGM), which was the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural held on 31 March 2010 at Muldersdrift. Development at the University of Mr Douglas Taylor-Freeme from the Com- Pretoria was one of the speakers mercial Farmers’ Union of Zimbabwe was at the conference.

No. 4 DAFFnews April 2010 5 Departmental Balemi ba Lekoa, women feeding the nation

By Andy Raliwedza

Women farmers are taking centre Strategy. complained about spending time and stage and the Balemi ba Lekoa Agri- Through this strategy the Department money for something that was not bringing cultural Project has become the perfect acquires privately-owned property and in any income. Nevertheless we did not example of this. Thanks to an endless registers the property in the name of the look back. We kept on reminding each drive and support from the Depart- state. Thereafter, the Department leases other about our ambition to be successful ment of Rural Development and Land Reform, Balemi has proved to be one the property to beneficiaries for a period of commercial farmers.” of the most successful land reform three years with an option to buy. Through- The group was very excited when the projects in the country out the lease agreement, the beneficiary Department of Rural Development and Like women pushing to play a significant can exercise the option to purchase the Land Reform announced it would acquire role in the corporate world, a group of property. the property and lease it to them for a women farmers has committed themselves The women in Balemi ba Lekoa (which three-year period. to making their mark in the male-domi- is Sotho for “Farmers from That Area”) “At first we thought it would be difficult nated agricultural industry. met when they were farming on a small for us to sustain 1052 hectares of land One of the key objectives of the land scale on neighbouring plots in De Deur given the challenges that other emerging reform programmes is to eliminate gender in the Meyerton area. It was during this farmers are facing. Yes, it is now even discrimination with regard to the allocation time that they discovered their common tougher for us to maintain such a big farm of agricultural land to women. In support vision to become commercial farmers. without finance. We can equate it to driv- of women in agriculture, the Department “We shared information about farming ing a car without an engine. Thanks once of Rural Development and Land Reform in general and also discussed how to sell again to the Department who believed in has established the Women in Agriculture our products in local markets,” said one us from the beginning. and Rural Development initiative. of the women, Anna Phosa. “This helped “There is this false notion that once you One shining example of this initiative us to know each other better.” receive assistance from government de- is Balemi ba Lekoa Agricultural Project in Balemi started the project by invest- partments, they are done with you. It did Klipkop near Vanderbijlpark. The project ing their own money. “Each of us used not happen with the Gauteng Provincial is run by a group of six women who were to contribute R300 at every meeting we Land Reform Office.” allocated approximately 1052 hectares in held and that money helped us a lot to Balemi realised that there was still more August 2007. The property was acquired establish our business,” explains Phosa. to learn in the agricultural sector, so they through the Proactive Land Acquisition “There were times when our husbands attended courses in maize and sunflower

6 April 2010 DAFFnews No. 4 Departmental

for them. The Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environ- ment erected one structure for broilers Balemi ba Lekoa, with a carrying capacity of 1000 chickens through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Progammes. Balemi are proud owners of a state of the art office on the women feeding the nation farm. A company called Marsh donated office equipment for the group. In addition to running the farm, the women are also involved in catering. Their farm has a small conference facility which is often used by Grain SA to provide train- ing for neighbouring farmers. The money generated from the training sessions is ploughed back into the project. Most beneficiaries of government programmes tend to relax and expect to be baby-sitted after they get what they wanted. Balemi is the exception to the rule and has advised other farmers to look for other sources of funding rather than wait Members of Balemi ba Lekoa, Anna Phosa, Sibongile Malinga, Salamina Tsotetsi, Maserame Khumalo, Pretty Mnisi and Babsie Mahlangu. for government to provide everything for them. “Every day when we wake up in the morning, we are fully aware that there is a nation that we have to feed,” says the production, tractor maintenance, farm- introduced to John Devenport, a limousine group that has also adopted the slogan: ing management and farm planning. cattle breeder. He donated one limousine “Women feeding the nation.” They consistently engaged neighbour- bull to increase livestock numbers. The Balemi has proved to be one of the ing commercial farmers in the area for Pick n Pay Foundation have undertaken most successful land reform projects in the mentoring. to buy all the produce from the farm and country. This year the project was nominat- The project employs four people on a sell it in their stores. ed for the Gauteng Female Farmer of the permanent basis and an additional 10 It is through this dedication and hard Year Awards. They were second runners-up on a temporary basis, especially during work that Balemi is being recognised. in the Category: Top Producer National harvest times. The National Development Agency also Market. They also received a cheque of “Since the previous owner was using funded the group to plant 200 hectares R10 000 and a trophy and have vowed the farm mostly for grain production, we of sunflower and bought a Toyota bakkie to win the first prize next year. decided to continue. We started by plant- ing grain on 21 hectares during our first year and as we speak, we have sent our sunflowers to a storage at Senwes whilst waiting for the right time when the market price is good.” During the interview, Balemi were intend- ing to plant sunflower on 400 hectares. They also indicated that during 2008, they received an interest-free production loan from the Pick n Pay Foundation to plant 200 hectares of maize. The group had 10 cattle when the department allocated them the land but happily the number has increased to 39 since they moved in two years ago. Dur- ing the interview, Gauteng Provincial Land Reform Office officials met with Ndivhuho Ramaliwa of the Pick n Pay Foundation who assisted Balemi. The Foundation do- nated 14 heifers and three chicken coops with a carrying capacity of 1000 chickens The women run a successful, fully fledged farm. each. Through Pick n Pay, the group was

No. 4 DAFFnews April 2010 7 Sector Wine industry launches first sustainability seal Press release by Wine and Spirit Board

The South Africa wine industry has “The seal is a continuation of the local system that already guarantees the source launched the world’s first sustainabil- wine industry’s pioneering approach to of the grapes, their varietal and vintage, ity seal as a guarantee of eco-friendly sustainable wine growing and winemak- it gives a further guarantee of production production. Issued by the Wine and ing. The launch of IPW in 1998 was an integrity and sustainability. Spirit Board, the seal, intended for important international benchmark for bottled wines only, is backed by a so- phisticated tracking system in which environmentally responsible wine produc- Credibility bottle contents can be traced back to tion. This was followed in 2004 by the The credibility of the seal rests on its source at every stage of the supply establishment of the Biodiversity & Wine ability to track every stage of the sup- chain to confirm the integrity of their Initiative that seeks to reserve land within ply chain. Whereas the original Wine of production. the Cape Winelands for protection and Origin system, introduced in 1974, traces Every seal carries a unique the bottle of wine all the way back to number, through which the wine’s the vineyard, the new seal links the provenance can be tracked from vineyard to the growing practices in vine to bottle. that vineyard. This is a highly sophis- Effective from 2010, the vol- ticated tracking system that is being untary system is available to universally applied across the South those wineries to have passed the African wine industry.” accreditation of the Integrated Regular spot-checks by independ- Production of Wine (IPW) set of ent auditors are conducted to ensure sustainable principles, at farm, these guidelines are complied with winery and bottling levels. IPW at all levels, she says, and that the covers a range of issues such as production information supplied by integrated pest management, the the participants is accurate. health of workers, the conservation The original seal certifying ori- of biodiversity and the reduction of gin, vintage and varietal will still be greenhouse gas emissions. available to those producers not yet compliant with the guidelines for the Result new seal. The seal is the result of collabo- To date, well over 95 % of the ration between the Wine & Spirits South African wine industry has been Board, IPW, as well as the Biodi- following sustainable wine-growing versity & Wine Initiative (BWI) and and winemaking principles and Birch Wines of South Africa (WOSA) expects about 50 % of the country’s with the generic marketing body producers to take the next step by responsible for the worldwide making use of the new seal from the launch of the concept as part of its 2010 vintage. Projections are that Brand South Africa campaign. about 80 % of the industry will be able WOSA CEO Su Birch, speaking to make use of the new seal from the on behalf of the initiative, says it 2011 vintage. is expected to give another boost As the seal will be applied exclu- sively to wines bottled in SA, Birch to the country’s already widely rehabilitation to indigenous habitats. believes it should act as a disincentive to recognised international lead in the pro- “From this year’s harvest, producers who producers to bottle their wines off-shore. duction integrity of wine. “Although other have been audited will be entitled to use “Those who export in bulk will not have the countries are introducing similar initiatives the new seal as a visual guarantee of their benefit of an easy-to-recognise message to on a limited scale, at this stage South Af- commitment to environmentally-sensitive consumers that their wines are made with rica is the only country to have the means winemaking,” she says. respect for the environment.” to implement and certify the concept “Linked to the existing Wine of Origin across the entire wine industry.

8 April 2010 DAFFnews No. 4 Sector Technology demonstration centre for agriculture

By Thuli Dube

Aquaculture was identified as one of signing of Exchange Letters by the Ambas- (CNADC) to implement the project. The the priority areas of cooperation be- sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Free State Department of Agriculture and tween China and South Africa during the People’s Republic of China on 7 Octo- the CNADC signed an implementation nd the 2 joint agriculture working group ber 2008 and by Minister Lulu Xingwana contract for the detailed construction meeting held in China in May 2005. in March 2009. phase in July 2009. A Memorandum of Understanding The centre is envisaged as a supply (MoU) between the two governments station for rural aquaculture community Progress to date was signed during the Chinese state projects in the Free State Province and A sod-turning event was held on 27 visit to South Africa in December 2005. beyond. It is also envisaged as a research October 2009 at the Gariep Dam Fish This was followed by the endorsement of station and a place to provide training Breeding Station. Following the sod- an Aquaculture Action Plan by the then for agricultural scientists/technicians and turning ceremony, the construction phase Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, farmers. It is furthermore intended to serve of the project started immediately. This in- Ms Lulu Xingwana, and the Vice-Minister as a modernised research, demonstra- cludes revitalisation of the existing building of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of tion, promotion, and training facility for structures, erection of the training building China (PRC), Mr Fan Xiaojian, during the freshwater fish farming technologies, and (a multiple-function building with labs, of- South African ministerial visit to China in will focus on the core technologies of fices, conference room and demonstration June 2006. In addition, the governments African catfish and tilapia farming and fry hall), apartment building for experts, fry of South Africa and China signed a Joint breeding. This hatchery has the potential breeding workshop (to focus on the core Statement of Intent on Economic Techno- to become the central hub for aquacul- technologies of African catfish, tilapia logical Cooperation in February 2007. ture development in the Free State. An farming and fry breeding) and accessory As part of the implementation of the outcomes-based operational plan was facilities. This phase constitutes several abovementioned Action Plan, the two required to guide this facility towards fulfill- activities: construction designs had to be Ministries have agreed that the Chinese ing the mentioned potential. To implement finalised and approved, and building government will build an Aquacultural this, the existing hatchery infrastructure material had to be imported from China. Technology Demonstration Centre (ADC) needs to be revitalised. Also, China had to send the construc- for the purpose of aquaculture at Gariep However, the Government of the Peo- tion team to South Africa, South African Dam, Xhariep District in Free State Prov- ple’s Republic of China, through the laborers had to be employed, and other ince as an aiding project at an investment Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), building materials and equipment had to of RMB 30 million. contracted the Chinese National Agricul- be procured in South Africa. This agreement was solidified by the tural Development Group Corporation Through the assistance of SARS and ITAC, the first consignment was delivered to the project site and the second consign- ment is on its way to the project site. CNADC dispatched 23 Chinese experts and hired about 35 South African labor- ers who have worked hard together to construct the foundations for the breeding room, apartment building and office build- ing. To date, about 5,500 man-days, ac- cording to Chinese measurements (about 26 % of the total construction project) is complete with 21,000 man-days remain- ing. So far, the brick wall and reinforce- ment structure of the storage room and double-storey apartment building have been completed, and the brick wall of the office building is 30 % complete. The boil- er room construction has not been started Construction in full swing at the Gariep Dam Fish Breeding Station. because the design may be altered.

No. 4 DAFFnews April 2010 9 Sector Weather made grapes harvesting demanding

Spring rains, severe southeast winds harvest wines. ” size of the berries, giving an excellent fruit and the unseasonal hail that preceded Nederburg Edelkeur is an example of to skin ratio. “Early indications are that this this year’s ripening season, as well as a botrytised wine that has attracted an year should produce outstanding Pinotage, a 10-day summer heat wave, made international following. as well as Shiraz, Cabernet and Malbec the 2010 harvest one of the most He explained that the adverse vintage wines. We are also very pleased with the labour-intensive and logistically de- manding vintages in recent memory. conditions had been overcome through Merlot. Amongst the whites, Chardonnay This is according to Distell’s chief of access to sophisticated weather-station benefitted from a good cold winter last grape and wine supply, Erhard Wolf, data, research and an extensive team of year with wines already exhibiting excellent whose company accounts for a third of viticulturists working across Distell’s own depth of character. Early ripening Sauvi- South Africa’s still and sparkling wine farms and in close concert with supplier gnon blanc and Chenin blanc vines also production. growers. delivered good fruit. Fortunately, access “Although crops for the production of “Close vigilance of weather conditions to cooler-climate vineyards allowed us to our wines were some 12 % to 15 % down, allowed us to plan ahead and act swiftly in compensate for the protracted heat wave we are pleased with overall quality. Alco- terms of vineyard management. Distell em- that affected much of the Cape winelands hol levels across red and white varietals ploys some of the country’s most talented in late February and early March.” were well-managed in the vineyards, and experienced viticulturists, whose im- The harvest began a week later than making for refreshing and well-balanced mediate, on-the ground decisions helped usual, kicking off in late January, but wines. We can expect to see some ex- to ameliorate the risk of weather-related ended a week earlier as a result of the ceptional results from this year’s harvest, vine diseases and to minimise the wind warmer conditions in March. “Some especially Pinotage and Chardonnay but and hail damage to fruit in the lead-up wineries had virtually finished harvesting by not confined to these two varietals. The to the picking season. Careful planning mid-March, with the exception of the much rainy, humid conditions late in the picking during the harvesting period itself also later-ripening noble late harvest wines. season, followed by drier weather, meant ensured grapes could be optimally har- Essentially, two weeks were shaved off the rare and very desirable botrytis cinerea vested by working at dawn, at night and from the regular harvesting period, putting fungus could flourish to create fruit of on week-ends. increased pressure on cellar capacity,” rich and exquisite intensity for noble late “The enormous intra-vineyard variation added Van Niekerk. in budding, flowering and ripening times By making integrated use of Distell’s necessitated far more time in the vineyards cellar capacity, bottlenecks had been than usual but we were geared up for the minimised and it had been possible to challenge. We also turned to new grape press and vinify the harvest as the grapes and wine sources to make up shortfalls were delivered. where they did occur. So despite the He said the company had the infrastruc- smaller harvest, we are on track to meet ture in place to begin bottling this year’s demand.” vintage with South Africa’s new sustain- However, he did say that yields in or- ability seal as a guarantee of eco-friendly ganic vineyards, representing a very small production. part of the company’s production, had Issued by the Wine and Spirit Board, the suffered heavy losses. “There is no way seal, intended for certified wines only, is you can outwit the weather if you follow ac- backed by a sophisticated tracking system credited organic wine-growing protocols developed over the past ten years, in which and we were not prepared to make any the contents can be traced back to every compromises in terms of spraying to save stage in the supply chain to confirm the the grapes. On one of our biggest farms, integrity of their production. yields from organically grown vines were Wolf said projections were that the 2011 down by as much as 80 %.” vintage might also deliver a lower than av- Callie van Niekerk, Distell’s group cellar erage harvest. “However, analyses of the master, said the 2010 reds were showing vine buds during June and July will give us excellent colour and exceptional fruit fla- a more accurate picture of what to expect vours, thanks to the smaller than average in terms of next year’s crop size.”

10 April 2010 DAFFnews No. 4 Sector 40th Earth day celebration

The 40th Earth Day was celebrated on existing lines based on this advice, thus re- of coal mines planned for development on 22 April 2010. The Endangered Wildlife ducing the number of birds being killed by the doorstep of the Mapungubwe National Trust (EWT), which turns 37 years this electrical infrastructure in South Africa. Park and World Heritage Site, and several year, takes this opportunity to reflect • Poisoning was once a major cause of new mines in the Waterberg and on the on its own impact on the health of the South African crane mortality. This threat Eastern Highveld will destroy large areas planet and reminds every individual that if we are to overcome the chal- has recently declined, largely as a result of of habitat for many species and impact lenges that the Earth faces, every day the work undertaken by the EWT’s African on important ecosystem services such as must be treated as Earth Day. Crane Conservation Programme and its water quality and quantity. As such, the One of the major problems facing the partners. Over the last two decades these work undertaken by organisations such planet is biodiversity loss. We are losing organisations have worked closely with as the EWT remains critical. However, we biodiversity at 100 times the rates docu- landowners in the major crane regions, cannot do it alone. Every individual can mented in fossil records. However, the EWT helping them to find viable solutions to make a difference to the health of our has made many inroads into reducing this the crop damage that cranes sometimes planet. Every individual is responsible for loss of biodiversity. A few examples are: cause, without killing or disturbing the the health of our planet. • Conflict between predators and live- birds. Today farmers use agrochemicals stock is a key problem and many farmers more responsibly than they did in the past use environmentally destructive methods and are far more tolerant of cranes living to kill predators, such as poisoning, gin on their properties. Living a trapping and hunting. The EWT works with • Honey Badgers Mellivora capensis farmers to better understand the problem often come into conflict with beekeepers greener life and prevent livestock losses. Its Livestock when they feed on bee larvae and destroy Guardian Dog Project promotes the use beehives. To address this, the EWT runs Here are a few tips for living a of the Anatolian Shepherd, a breed of dog a project that helps beekeepers prevent greener life today: used to guard free-ranging sheep on farms losses, using badger-friendly practices • Calculate your carbon footprint where they are vulnerable to predators. such as raising beehives above the reach at www.cap.org.za. Knowledge This project has been extremely successful of the badgers. Beekeepers who success- of your own impact on the planet as a non-lethal predator control method fully implement these practices may display will empower you to work towards and farmers with Anatolians have reported the official ‘Badger Friendly Honey’ label treading more lightly. a reduction in predation losses of between on their products. The project recently • Switch off unnecessary lights and 95% and 100%. assessed its contribution to Honey Badger appliances. • Up until 13 years ago, vultures and conservation and found no change in • Only drive when absolutely nec- other large birds, in particular storks, badger distribution, suggesting that there essary. cranes and Ludwig’s Bustards Neotis has not been a decline in the Honey • Reduce, reuse, recycle. ludwigii, were often killed on powerlines, Badger population. The lack of reports on • When shopping, always choose either when flying into the cables or being badgers being persecuted by beekeepers products that use less packag- electrocuted when perching on the con- also indicates that the programme has ing. ductors. The EWT, together with national been effective in addressing and solving • Replace alien plants with indig- energy utility Eskom, began working on the issue of badger killing. enous ones. developing solutions and today powerlines The EWT has been involved in a number • Use fewer pesticides and other that have been identified as particularly of applications for species uplistings on the chemicals, or switch to natural dangerous to birds are fitted with ‘flap- International Union for the Conservation alternatives. pers’, devices that mark the lines to make of Nature (IUCN) Red Data List. This shows • Support biodiversity conservation them more visible to birds. Furthermore, that many species still face a serious threat initiatives such as the Endangered the exposed conductors are insulated so of extinction and even more needs to be Wildlife Trust. that the perching birds are not directly done to protect them. Our natural habitats exposed to the live electricity. The EWT are also under serious threat. Mining, par- Most of all, celebrate every day as also advises on the placement of new ticularly in Mpumalanga and the Limpopo Earth Day and keep working to reduce powerlines to avoid bird flight paths and provinces, is placing heavy pressure on your impact on our planet. in some instances Eskom has even moved these areas and projects such as a suite

No. 4 DAFFnews April 2010 11 Sector Animal Traction Project in Limpopo Province

By Sipho Sibanda – ARC-IAE

The aim of this project component is to done by animal traction while the other tion. Information of a detailed economic assess the utilisation of draft Animal will be done by tractor power. model of the complete farming systems Power (DAP) as an alternative power Preliminary work has been done and (including cash flows within the farming option for agricultural production and dummies run (fig. 1). In the next filed trip systems) will be obtained. Finally the marketing and develop an enterprise measurements will be done and among project will conduct an economic analysis model based on DAP systems for till- age and transport under irrigation others will include power requirements to show the profitability of using animal farming. to pull the implements, work rates, field traction for both agricultural production The main objective is empowering efficiencies, and cost of land prepara- and transport. farmers and providing appropriate power option in order to increase production and productivity at farm level. Farmers are be- ing encouraged to adopt technologies that are stimulating the creation of jobs and/ or generating extra income. Ultimately this will result in improved rural livelihoods of small holder farmers. Work that has been done to date is the identification of one animal traction en- terprise and one tractor power enterprise in Dzindi village in Thohoyandou (Venda). Four farmers in Dzindi irrigation scheme have been identified. Each of the farmers own 2 plots adjacent to each other, in one Shows complete ridges done by animals and the tractor respectively in the of the plots land preparation (ploughing, irrigation scheme discing/harrowing and ridging) will be New HOD for Limpopo Province

Professor Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni is the new Head of Department of Agriculture in Limpopo Province. Previously he was the General Manager for Research and Training at the Department. Prof Nesamvuni comes from Sibasa near Thohoyandou and is a graduate in agriculture with junior and senior degrees in agriculture. He obtained his BSc Agric. Hons Cum Laude from Fort Hare University in 1999. He started in government in 2005 as Senior Manager in Agricultural Re- search Services. Ms Dipuo Letsatsi Duba, MEC for Agriculture Limpopo Province said she hopes his appointment will yield positive results on government’s emphasis on rural development and food security.

12 April 2010 DAFFnews No. 4