Five things happening in SA agriculture today, 2 September 2020

Although spring didn’t leap to welcome us yesterday, the agricultural agenda has sprung today! At the top of the watchlist the International Confederation of Agriculture and Food invites you to a virtual discussion about aquaculture and fisheries.

Black graduates who have qualifications in the commercial, logistics and technical industries are also invited to take a shot at a twelve-month internship presented by the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum.

There is also a virtual grain expo where key stakeholders, farmers and government agencies in the grain, milling, baking and animal feeds industry will set the tone for the future of the sector during and after the covid-19 pandemic.

The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation will today kickstart their first webinar in a series to reflect on the organisation’s functions and key projects in the past twelve months.

And finally, some bad news regarding fuel prices for motorists with a silver lining for farmers: Effective today South Africans will pay more for petrol but less for diesel and illuminating paraffin.

1. Aquaculture and fisheries talk

The International Confederation of Agriculture and Food and TARIKOM is inviting you to a Facebook live stream with Dr Atilla Özdemir who will be discussing aquaculture and fisheries. The talk will be taking place from 10:30 to 11:30 this morning and will be hosted by Ms. Seda Diker.

Interested parties can visit the International Confederation of Agriculture and Food Facebook page to tune in.

2. Fresh produce industry opportunity for graduates

The Fresh Produce Exporter’s Forum (FPEF) is calling upon black commercial, logistics and technical graduates to apply for a twelve-month graduate internship programme for 2021. This is a way to integrate these bright minds into the industry as part of their transformation strategy.

The FPEF will cover recruitment fees and make a monthly salary contribution of R5000 per intern. This is an opportunity for graduates to gain skills and for businesses within the fresh produce industry to hire young, qualified minds.

If you are interested you can send an email to johannes@fpefco.za or call 071 688 1888. Applications close on 16 October 2020.

3. Petrol hikes take effect today

The minister of mineral resources and energy, Gwede Mantashe, released the new schedule of fuel prices. Motorists and agriculturalists transporting goods will, from today, pay more for petrol and less for diesel and illuminating paraffin. He stated that the petrol prices increased to accommodate the wage increases of pump attendants, cashiers, and administrative staff at service stations.

Petrol and diesel prices that came into effect this morning: 

Petrol 93 (both 93 ULP and LRP) increased by 1 cent per litre;

Petrol 95 (both 93 ULP and LRP) increased by 1 cent per litre;

Diesel 0.05% (0.05% sulphur) decreased by 21 cents per litre;

Diesel (0.005% sulphur) decreased by 21 cents per litre;

Illuminating paraffin (wholesale) decreased by 26 cents per litre.

4. Grain, milling and bakery expo

The Africa Food Manufacturing & Safety Summit (AFMASS) is inviting you to a sustainable grain, milling and baking webinar that will cover the most critical issues impacting the industry in Africa during and after the covid-19 pandemic.

The virtual event, titled “Sustainable grains, milling and baking in Africa post covid-19″ will bring together key stakeholders from the grains industry supply chain in Africa. This includes farmers and grain storage and distribution, milling, baking and animal feed companies as well as government agencies.

Interested stakeholders can visit AFMASS food expo to register. The webinar will take place at 13:00 to 15:00 this afternoon.

5. Pork producers’ webinar

The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) is inviting farmers, pork lovers and people who are interested in the pork industry to webinar session where they will be reflecting on SAPPO’s functions and the key projects in their various departments in the past year.

If you don’t want to miss out secure your seat!

• 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.