Mondays always bring a new glow of opportunity to Mzansi’s vibrant agricultural sector. High on the news agenda today is the Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita), who is gearing up to take their tobacco war to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).
Food For Mzansi is also keeping an eye on a free agricultural virtual event hosted by the African Agri Council and Wine of South Africa (Germany) will be hosting a webinar discussing South Africa’s wines from old vines.
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Fita not ready to nip ciggy battle in the bud
After Friday’s legal blow in the Pretoria High court, Fita says it is not backing down from the court battle against government’s ban on tobacco distribution. The tabacoo association will today start preparations to take the matter to the SCA.
The High Court on Friday dismissed Fita’s bid to appeal an earlier ruling that upheld the ban. The court found that Fita had not been able to submit strong legal grounds that its appeal had reasonable prospects of success.
Fita chairperson Sinenhlanhla Mnguni on Friday said they are confident that once they petition the SCA, a different decision will be reached to the one reached by the High Court. Food For Mzansi will be following this developing story closely.
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Last day to register for free, virtual agri event
The African Agri Council (AAC) is hosting a free, virtual event on Tuesday, 28 July and today is the last chance for agricultural organisations, businesses and farmers to register as exhibitors, sponsors or hosts.
Among others, this virtual event features case study presenters discussing how their agri-food business sectors are adjusting practices and policies to successfully meet the challenges created by the pandemic.
The event starts at 10:00 tomorrow and is open to:
- agri distributors, agents, importers & exporters;
- agri producers and growers;
- agro-processors and retailers;
- consultants and advisors;
- commodity dealers, traders and insurers;
- co-ops, farmers unions and associations;
- development agencies;
- governments officials and policy makers;
- inspection services and certification agencies;
- large-scale and commercial farmers;
- banks and financiers;
- operational partners;
- packaging and marketing;
- primary agri suppliers;
- small-scale and emerging farmers;
- track and trace tech companies;
- trade associations and consultants; and
- transport, storage, shipping and logistics companies.
To book your free seat at the event visit African Agri Council for more information.
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International chat about SA wines from old vines
South Africa’s wines from old vines seems to be creating much hoo-ha on the international scene. Later today, between 16:00 and 17:00, Wines of South Africa’s German office will be discussing the “potential of old vines” and the opportunities for this kind of wines in gastronomy.
The sommelier online tutorial will be presented by André Morgenthal and Jo Wessels via Zoom. The conversation will be moderated in English by Petra Mayer, head of South Africa Wine Information and Peer F. Holm, president of the Sommelier Union Germany. Participation is free. E-mail info@suedafrika-wein.de or click here.
