Rise and shine Mzansi! Time to put on those boots and get to work. Today we track the Dutch embassy in South Africa’s virtual mission on climate smart agritech which is opening today.
Also, look out for National Marine Week launch and minister Thoko Didiza finishes a series of oversight visits to government-funded projects in the North West.
Thereafter, we shine the spotlight on a virtual World Food Day event and a digital agriculture maps report offering an overview of trends and opportunities within the digital agri space.
1
#ClimateSmartAgri opening today
The agricultural councillor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa is kicking off their Dutch research and innovation mission today.
The official opening of this #ClimateSmartAgri virtual mission is taking place today. The mission leaders invite you to join roundtable sessions as they delve into remote sensing, plant health, conservation/regenerative agriculture and viticulture (grapes & wine).
To join mail pre-lnv@minbuza.nl.
2
Northern Cape launches National Marine Week
The Northern Cape MEC for agriculture, environmental affairs, land reform and rural development, will this morning launch the provincial marine week in Soverby, near Upington.
National Marine Week, annually celebrated in Mzansi in the second week of October is running from 11 to 17 October 2020.
National Marine Week is celebrated to promote awareness about marine and coastal biodiversity, the important role that the ocean plays in or day-to-day lives, and our responsibility to utilise our marine and coastal resources sustainably.
3
North West project oversight visits end
The minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, Thoko Didiza, and the North West MEC for agriculture and rural development, Desbo Mohono, are ending their two-day projects oversight this morning.
Since Monday, 12 October, the two leaders have been visiting government-funded projects in the greater Taung local municipality. Their visits seek to assess conditions and the need for enhanced support.
Today’s visits takes them to the Mmamashokwane village where they will visit a young male farmer farming with pigs, cattle, goats and sheep. Thereafter, a livestock and crop farmer.
4
Virtual World Food Day Commemoration
Last chance to book your virtual seat at this year’s World Food Day commemoration seminar hosted by the minister of agriculture, Thoko Didiza, and deputy ministers Mcebisi Skwatsha and Sdumo Dlamini.
The event themed “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together our action are our future” is in collaboration with FAO representative Dr Mercy Chikoko. It happens on Friday, 16 October at 10:00 via Zoom.
Those interested in joining the online gathering must RSVP today. Contact Mpho Ramuntshi on 066 084 6510 or MphoRa@dalrrd.gov.za to reserve you seat.
5
Trends and opportunities in digital agri space
The GSMA AgriTech team have launched the digital agriculture maps report offering a snapshot into the digital agriculture landscape in low and middle-income countries.
The report, in collaboration with IDH Farmfit, shows digital agriculture tools that have emerged to mitigate the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
The report provides an in-depth analysis of digital advisories, digital financial services, agri e-commerce, digital procurement and smart farming. It further helps industry practitioners and potential investors better understand key trends and emerging opportunities in the sector.
Download the full report here: GSMA AgriTech Digital Agriculture Maps report
- Do you have an upcoming event that should be on Food For Mzansi’s watchlist? Drop us an email to diary@foodformzansi.co.za and we’ll do our best to include it in this weekday feature.
