Too busy to read the news? Here’s a summary of agricultural happenings you might have missed this weekend.
Vinpro dismayed at UK travel restrictions
Wine body Vinpro says it shares South African Tourism’s dismay at the continuing UK travel restrictions imposed on South Africa as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
UK transport secretary Grant Shapps crushed the hopes of many businesses in Mzansi when he stated that just eight countries would be taken from Britain’s red list — and South Africa wasn’t one of them.
“We share the SA Tourism community’s dismay at the UK, one of our biggest wine tourism source markets, decision to restrict travel to SA. While pressure mounts for a revision, we’re ready and excited to welcome back our German and US visitors in high season,” the organisation said via Twitter.
World Macadamia Organisation launches
The newly founded World Macadamia Organisation (WMO) has formally launched and incorporated in Singapore, with a mission to increase demand for this underrated wholefood by increasing awareness and appreciation.
According to industry data and global supply predictions, macadamia nut-in-shell supply will quadruple by 2025, and maybe triple by 2030, to over 600 000 tonnes. The WMO has been tasked with driving growth and assisting to consolidate the long-term foundations for a healthy, sustainable market in order to ensure that demand matches supply while maintaining the macadamia’s premium place.
Members of the Members’ Council, which meets at least twice a year, are entitled to send representatives. The first virtual meeting will take place in October, and the first physical gathering will take place in Dubai in May 2022, in conjunction with the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC).
Seven of the world’s largest macadamia-producing countries, including South Africa, Australia, Guatemala, Hawaii, Kenya, Malawi, and Vietnam have confirmed their membership to date.
ALSO READ: This week’s agri events: 27 September – 3 October
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