High up on the agricultural calendar today, is a much-anticipated briefing by minister Thoko Didiza on issues surrounding released state land. Then, staying in the business of parliament, we look at two separate portfolio committee briefing session taking place this morning to discuss pressing agricultural matters.
We also spotlight two great webinars. One is on advanced agriculture and food, another on food processing value chains and food security.
1
Minister Didiza: State land progress report
By now you are well aware of many red flags that have been raised by farmers and various stakeholders surrounding the release of underutilised state land for agricultural and land reform purposes.
Today at 13:00 the minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, Thoko Didiza, will brief members of the media on progress regarding the process.
Members of the public can view the briefing via live streaming on the SA Government Facebook page, Twitter and YouTube channels.
2
DEFF discuss fishing rights allocations and more
The portfolio committee on environment, forestry and fisheries will today be briefed by the department on the updated fishing rights allocations. In addition, they will discuss the state of marine fisheries resources.
This will happen during a virtual meeting that runs from 09:00 to 12:00. Interested parties can view the meeting via the Parliamentary YouTube channel: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.
3
Parliament: 2020 agri budget vote and covid-19 support grant
The National Assembly’s portfolio committee on agriculture, land reform and rural development is to be briefed today on the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development’s 2020-2021 first-quarter report. The briefing will include a response by the department to the recommendations of the 2020 Budget Vote Report. Also, a comprehensive report by the department on the implementation of the covid-19 agricultural disaster support grant is to be tabled.
The virtual meeting will start at 09:00 and is expected to run until 12:00. Interested parties can view the meeting via the Parliamentary YouTube channel: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.
4
Mahala conference on advanced agriculture and food
The countdown clock to the seventh biennial conference hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is running down fast. Interested individuals are urged to book their virtual seats to the popular event as soon as possible.
The conference, hosted under the theme, “Touching lives through innovation,” will touch on advanced agriculture and food in some of the sessions. The conference runs from Wednesday, 11 November, to Thursday, 12 November, and comes at no charge.
Attendees can engage in a range of online talks, interviews, virtual tours and webinars, with participation by international experts and local experts, including First National Bank’s chief economist, Mamello Matikinca.
The conference programme has been designed around nine topics, namely chemicals, health, advanced agriculture and food, manufacturing, mining, defence and security, smart mobility, smart places and next-gen enterprises and institutions. Some special interest sessions have also been scheduled.
While the conference is free, registration is compulsory. To book your seat, click The 7th Biennial CSIR Conference.
5
Africa discusses food processing value chains and security
Join the African Continental Free Trade Area as representatives discuss agriculture, from food processing value chains to retail and food security.
As part of their transformative industrialisation webinar series, the online event will be moderated by Professor Carlos Lopes from the University of Cape Town. The event features leading agri expert voices including Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz).
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 11 November from 13:30 until 16:00. RSVP: AfCFTA and Transformative Industrialization Webinar.
