The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) has appointed Gerhard Kriel as its new CEO. He will take office on 3 January 2022.
Kriel developed a keen interest in food science in his early years and he studied dairy science with a full South African Dairy Foundation bursary. He studied under well-known dairy legend Professor Jan Novello at the University of the Free State.
Kriel holds a bachelor’s degree in food science, dairy science, microbiology and biochemistry from the university and a master’s degree in business leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa.
After graduating, he started his career at Clover South Africa.
Kriel succeeds Fanie Ferreira, the MPO’s acting CEO. Ferreira will continue to serve as chairperson of the MPO Northern Region and director of the MPO board.
“I would like to make the South African dairy industry a force to be reckoned with, and we can only achieve this if the dairy farmer’s voice is heard in places where it matters,” Kriel told Farmer’s Weekly.
ALSO READ: Farmers dumped nearly 2 million litres of milk per day
Asparagus growers on the move
It has been a difficult year for asparagus in South Africa, both locally grown and in terms of imports. Production levels in Mzansi have been low but local growers say they will bring volumes into the market in time for Christmas.
According to FreshPlaza.com the asparagus season got off to a slightly slow start. Yet, despite being about a week late, warmer spring temperatures saw production peak towards the end of September and the first week of October. The handful of local growers could, however, not supply retailers’ demand.
South Africa is a net importer of asparagus and there seems to be lower production in Central and South America as well, where most of Mzansi’s asparagus is sourced.
While erratic supply has affected consumer demand, but since restaurants have been allowed to open again, there has been an uptick in sales. Pricing has remained fairly consistent throughout the year with only small increases.
ALSO READ: Asparagus project creates almost 900 jobs in Eastern Free State
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