Vulnerable communities in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State and North West are set to benefit from a million rand donation – equating to 500 000 meals – through a newly-launched grain campaign by Grain Care and the FirstRand SPIRE fund through RMB and FNB.
As part of this initiative, farmers and businesses across the agricultural value chain are now urged to donate grain or cash for the procurement of maize. Organisers say donated maize will be converted into cash via Safex and used to procure finished maize products from participating millers, through Grain Care, and distributed to vulnerable communities across the country.
Dawie Maree, head of communication and marketing at FNB Agriculture, says: “We are appealing to the entire agricultural sector to come together during this difficult time to lend a hand and help our fellow citizens who are currently in need. Maize remains an essential staple in South Africa and is consumed in high volumes within our communities. As we prepare for harvesting, let us consider using some of our crops or income to make a positive impact, especially within the communities in which we operate.”
Maree says their initial objective is to procure, process and distribute 7 000 tonnes of super maize to feed hungry, vulnerable people and children. “Together we can make this possible, and further ensure the sustainability of this initiative with the potential to produce more meals for communities in South Africa, throughout the year.”
Providing labour and agri support
“This initiative is really exciting as we are actively targeting vulnerable communities from the very regions we source much of our food. We felt that we need to support those communities that provide labour and support to our agricultural sector,” commented Andrew Aitken, co-head of RMB Ventures.
Francois van der Plas from RMB’s Debt & Trade Solutions adds, “The program is currently targeted at maize deliveries, while the intention is to include other agricultural commodities in future.”
- Businesses and individuals who are interested to make donations through crops or cash can get more information by visiting Unigrain or emailing anel@unigrain.co.za.
