Agri SA has raised and distributed R29 693 940 since its drought relief efforts were launched in 2015. Following the civil unrest that struck Mzansi earlier this year, an offshoot called the Agri SA Disaster Relief Foundation was established to assist farmers and farmworkers in other disasters as well.
“The Agri SA Disaster Relief Foundation supports farmers and farmworkers affected by natural disasters,” the organisation said.
It now encourages donors to contribute towards the foundation’s reserves. “Support our farmers and farmworkers and qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate for income tax purposes. Section 18A, in essence, allows a taxpayer who had made a bona fide donation to the Agri SA Disaster Relief Foundation, to claim a tax deduction subject to a limit.”
In its latest call to action in September, the organisation asked for donations to help farms affected by wildfires in the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Anyone who would like to make a donation, can click here.
Deputy minister Skwatsha engages with farmers
The deputy minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, Mcebisi Skwatsha, met with Kwanokuthula small-scale farmers in Plettenberg Bay and farmworkers in Uniondale yesterday.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss the issues that farmers are facing, and how the department can avail itself to assist.
Farmers in the Kwanokuthula region have struggled with access to running water, access to food and fencing for their livestock.
Chinese market price for imported papayas lower than last season
Prices for papayas in China have not equalled those of last season. It is a small-scale fruit in the country and not bought on a regular basis, according to retailer Fruit Day.
Fruit Day was founded in 2009 and is one of the most successful new-retail businesses in China’s fresh produce market. Fruit Day and the retailers that operate under their name sell over 15 000 different commercial products, of which 80% is imported.
China imports most of its papayas from the Philippines but the worldwide shipping problem, along with high shipping costs, created significant barriers to fruit imports and exports.
ALSO READ: This week’s agriculture events: 4 – 10 October
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