Vinpro Approaches Courts to Save the South African Wine Industry

As one of the oldest agricultural industries in the country, which supports the  livelihoods of 269 000 employees, generates R55 billion in revenue for the economy and builds a strong brand reputation as a unique asset for the country, the South  African wine industry has become part of our cultural and economic fabric.

Ban on wine sales: Stop the absurdity

Much more than the frustration in the market place of wine lovers struggling to get their hands on a bottle wine or than guests visiting the Boland being disappointed because wine tasting at an expensive cellar restaurant is also prohibited, farmers, workers and towns are suffering as a result of a draconic measure prohibiting the sale and transport of wine.

Wow, can wood really make that?

For millennia, trees have provided mankind with fuel, food, fibre and medicine from their fruit, flowers, roots, wood, leaves and branches. In fact, many things we use daily are connected to wood. Printer paper, chewing gum, planks, viscose fabric, vitamins, pallets, toilet tissue, toothpaste, and detergents all have a link back to wood.

Pulling the wool over … our faces

The pandemic face masks look set to be an environmental burden – disaster even – for decades to come. What about masks made from wool?

Producer associations and stepping up to the plate

At the virtual meeting last week, a member of the parliamentary Portfolio committee for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development asked the National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC) why smallholder farmers were selling products to other producers, instead of being linked directly with markets.

Friday again! (A look at employment in agriculture)

It’s Friday again and many of us are wagging our tails, so to speak. There is usually a sense of relief and anticipation on this time of the week as people look forward to being at home and enjoying a break from the office. Spare a thought for the many who are without employment at this time, some 30.8% of the working population (which, as we are sometimes reminded, doesn’t include those who are discouraged and are no longer pursuing the search for jobs).