Setting the tone for a new week on Mzansi’s agricultural calendar is the rare chance for wine lovers to bid on priceless wine treasures and getaway packages.
Also on Food For Mzansi’s watchlist is the extension of the comment period for the draft extended producer responsibility regulations, which could impact almost everybody in the agriculture sector.
We’re also excited about a new podcast and radio segment launching today that will introduce learners to the agricultural careers that are expected to be most in demand for the future. Also check out the citizen journalist project that will mentor you to become a teller of your community’s stories.
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Bid on rare wines online
Get those auction fingers ready for South Africa’s first ever online winery auction, hosted by Baleia Wines and Olive Oil. Today, wine lovers have the rare chance to bid on priceless wine treasures and getaway packages.
The auction, which will run from 3 August to 7 August, is a rare chance to bid on a selection of Baleia wines. On the bidding block today is a collection of rare Baleia wines from vintages that are no longer for sale to the general public. The collection contains one bottle each each of the following:
- Syrah 2014
- Syrah 2015
- Syrah 2016
- Sebastian 2014
- Sebastian 2015
- Sebastian 2016
- Tempranillo 2015
- Chardonnay 2013
- Pinot Noir 2013
- Sauvignon Blanc 2015
- Sauvignon Blanc 2016
- Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Bidding starts at R1 611 and items will only be shipped once the nationwide lockdown alcohol restrictions have been lifted. To take part in the auctions and bid remotely, auction-goers can register by following the link here.
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Comment on packaging regulations
Barbara Creecy, minister of environment, forestry and fisheries, has extended the comment period for the draft extended producer responsibility regulations. She published a notice extending the deadline for comments until 26 August 2020.
The draft regulations seek to extend the responsibility for managing the waste generated by paper, packaging and single-use products to impose responsibilities throughout the value chain.
According to Agbiz these regulations will have a direct impact on agribusinesses because many make use of packaging to preserve food products sold to retailers, agro-processors or consumers directly.
In its weekly newsletter, Agbiz said it’s working through Business Unity South Africa’s environmental committee to assess the impact on businesses and to draft comments. Read here for more information on the draft regulations.
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New podcast highlights agri careers
A new podcast to introduce learners to in-demand careers in the agriculture sector debuts today. AgriSETA Learner Connect, produced by Food For Mzansi, will also be transmitted on 19 different community radio stations throughout South Africa.
The jobs featured on the podcast and radio show, with a new episode released every weekday, are considered scarce and critical. High school learners are encouraged to consider pursuing these careers to help ensure the availability of the skills needed to grow the sector into the future.
For more information, keep an eye on Food For Mzansi website and social media pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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Get paid to write local stories
If you have an appetite for news and a desire to share stories from your community, then Food For Mzansi’s Sinelizwi citizen journalism project is just for you.
We are inviting learners in grades 8 to 11, unemployed youth, agricultural workers and community members to apply for the remaining spots. And guess what? You will receive free training and mentorship and even get paid to write stories about what is happening in your community.
The programme, presented in partnership with the Google News Initiative, is open for participants nationwide. Entries are rolling in and farmers and agri organisations can also nominate candidates.
Interested writers who want to become a Sinelizwi citizen journalist can fill in a simple application form here. Applications need to be submitted by Saturday, 8 August 2020 at 12:00. No late applications will be accepted. For more information contact duncan@foodformzansi.co.za
