Asking help from agriculture
We’ve mentioned before that we get queries every week regarding one aspect or another of agriculture. These vary from the polite, sincere and well-thought out emails to the simple and abrupt.
National Minimum Wage (NMW) exemption process
The NMW increase was announced earlier this month. Given the steep rise (16.2%) in farm worker wages, some employers might find themselves in a situation where they cannot afford the NMW. In such a case, a very particular process needs to be followed.
Five Predictions Driving Transformation in The Food & Beverage Industry
The unforeseen disruption experienced in 2020 has prompted food and beverage producers to future proof their businesses as far as is possible. While uncertainty seems set to continue for some time, through focusing on expediting time to market; food quality and safety; supply chain resilience; and the creation of omni-channel models, companies are putting themselves in the strongest position they can to embrace and capitalise on future opportunities.
Opportunity in the South African food ingredient market
A report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week gives the facts for US exporters, but should also alert local companies to the opportunity.
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.
COVID-19: How to avoid workplace infections
2021 seems to have jumped in exactly where 2020 left off, with drastically increased COVID-19 infections that will affect workplaces.
Food prices saw large jump in 2020
Recent research from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PEJDG) shows that food prices rose by 17% over the course of 2020, going up faster than inflation for the year. In December 2020, the total price of a basket of food to feed a family in a month was at R4,002.42, marginally lower than the same basket in November (R4,018.22).
No Ringing in the New Year for South Africans – Alcohol Banned Again
On December 28, 2020, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a total ban on the sale of alcohol from stores, restaurants and bars until January 15, 2021, except in the case of exports or for sanitizers.
Developing Nestlé’s first Net Zero Dairy Farm in South Africa
Nestlé has announced the Skimmelkrans Net Zero Carbon Emissions Project: an ambition to create the company’s first carbon neutral dairy farm, located in George, South Africa. Nestlé has committed that by 2023, the farm will be carbon net zero.