Despite its growing track record in the development of new era farmers, Agri Enterprises has been instructed to not initiate any training programmes “on the turf” of traditional industry bodies such as the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO).
This follows a robust discussion between key stakeholders after the RPO publicly announced its “conditional resignation” from Agri SA. It cited alleged interference by Agri Enterprises, an Agri SA subsidiary. Agri Enterprises – led by chief executive Omri van Zyl – was initially tasked to originate and raise funding for commercial agricultural partnerships between established and developing farming entities.
Last night, Agri SA confirmed that it had met with representatives of the RPO, National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA) and the Milk Producers’ Association (MPO). While a media release issued by Agri SA does not state this, Food For Mzansi has learnt that the NWGA and MPO shared similar concerns as the RPO.
At the heart of the turf war is funding from AgriSETA which, in at least one major project was clinched by the dynamic team at Agri Enterprises.
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Going forward, however, Agri SA Enterprises will not apply for funding from AgriSETA to conduct training in the red meat industry. This now remains the prerogative of the respective industry organisations that have a direct interest in the red meat industry.
The meeting was held in a “positive and constructive spirit,” according to the release issued.
Agri Enterprises has not only been instructed to stay in its lane by the red meat industry, but by all “relevant industry organisations”. It is not allowed to roll out training without having first “communicated and consulted in advance” with such bodies.
“Involvement and guidance by industry organisations in their respective fields of training is of critical importance as the necessary expertise, knowledge and experience are based in the respective industries,” says the relevant parties in their joint letter.
It adds that the RPO, NWGA and MPO remain “constructively involved” with Agri SA.
“In order to give further momentum to these enterprises, a protocol will be drawn up in which clear guidelines are set out to ensure effective and timely communication, to deepen mutual trust, to recognise the respective roles that the organizations fulfil and to ensure constructive cooperation at all times to ensure.”
