AgriProbe Vol 20 No 2

Setting

Setting the SCENE

by Dr Ilse Trautmann

Seasons are changing – and so should we!

AAs winter is approaching, our agricultural landscape will be changing to the proverbial “greener pastures” as depicted on our AI smart cover page. Having rain, albeit in some cases more than expected, could leave us with a false sense of “we are ok” in terms of climate change and our vulnerability in the agricultural sector. Therefore, our behaviour should change to ensure sustainability at all levels.

The year 2023 started at a pace we have never experienced before and brought challenges we did not foresee – yet we kept our heads high and performed exceptionally and the figures were changing – for the better! Peoples’ lives were changed as the Western Cape recorded the largest employment increase in the country quarteron-quarter, with an additional 167 000 employed persons in our province, as was announced during February 2023.

This edition of AgriProbe again brings a smorgasbord of changes brought about by our departmental interventions at many levels. From a change in our perceptions on the cannabis industry, changing the way we approach partners in collaborative efforts, changing the way we

approach loadshedding and handy hints to overcome challenges in this regard, to bringing the reader the changes over 125 years at Elsenburg college to empower our agricultural youth and bolstering our agricultural sector.

Our journal section brings articles on three important commodities in the Western Cape, being ostriches, plums and the pork industry. And here we also see a change – from production practises to market development and changes in export figures.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” and this was followed by Barack Obama with the statement, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

Let us see the change in season as our prompt to change the way we live, work, perceive our fellow South Africans, and let us change agriculture to a global leader and role model in many ways.

Dr IlseTrautmann

#ForTheLoveOfAgriculture

PUBLISHING TEAM

Publisher: Erika Alberts

Layout & design: Carmen le Roux

Copy editor: Aletta Pretorius-Thiart

Financial director: Pat Botha

For publishing enquiries, e-mail: media@mlpmedia.co.za

COVER INSPIRATION

We created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) magazine cover using stable diffusion. This involved using machine learning algorithms to generate a visually stunning and unique design that effectively communicates the themes and ideas of the magazine.

The idea was to harness the power of artificial intelligence to generate a design that was both aesthetically pleasing and aligned with the magazine’s content. This allowed for the creation of a unique design that would be difficult to achieve using traditional design methods.

The process involved inputting an initial image into a machine learning algorithm, which then modified the image to create a unique design. The algorithm was trained on a large dataset of images related to the themes of the magazine. This allowed it to generate designs that were tailored to the magazine’s content.

Cover by Arie van Ravenswaay

EDITOR

Mary James (021 808 5008) mary.james@westerncape.gov.za

CHAIRPERSON

Dr Ilse Trautmann (021 808 5012)

SECRETARIAT

Gizelle van Wyk (021 808 5022)

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Arie van Ravenswaay (021 808 5085)

Ashia Petersen

Juan de Lora (021 808 5383)

Daniel Johnson (021 483 3261)

John Constable (021 808 7763)

Dr Lesley van Helden (021 808 5017)

Sandile Mkhwanazi (021 808 7034)

Riaan Nowers (021 808 5194)

Vusumzi Zwelendaba (021 808 5226)

RESPONDING TO THE URGENCY OF NOW

A budget to inspire hope through growth and jobs

by Minister

OOn 28 March 2023, I drove a tractor from Greenmarket Square to table the Western Cape Agriculture Budget 2023 in the Provincial Parliament.

Die Burger

Die Burger

The farm tractor has an exceptional place in my heart as it connects me to extraordinary people – the farmers, agri-workers, producers and supporters of the agricultural sector.

On Agriculture Budget Day 2023, the tractor identified me as the bearer of the agricultural sector’s message of hope and progress – this message I took to the steps of the Western Cape Government.

I drove the tractor from Greenmarket Square to the front of the Western Cape Parliament. In doing so, I connected the Square’s historical and cultural significance with the Western Cape Parliament.

Ivan Meyer (left) and Daniel Johnson

Image courtesy of Die Burger

I also had the opportunity to welcome the legendary Tannie Poppie from Laingsburg as my special guest to the Western Cape Legislature. Wearing her signature kappie, Tannie Poppie is known for deftly flipping her roosterbrood. She is one of this Karoo town’s most famous residents, and her stall attracts tourists and travellers from all over. I announced a total budget of R960.165 million.

The Budget 2023 is guided by the Western Cape Government’s three strategic objectives:

1. Growth for jobs

2. Safety

3. Dignity and wellbeing

Furthermore, the required focus is provided by my five ministerial priorities:

1. Structured education

2. Training and research

3. Farmer support and development

4. Rural safety

5. Market access and climate change

Tannie Poppie and Minister Ivan Meyer.

Minister departs for the Legislature.

Budget 2023 acknowledges and facilitates the agricultural sector’s critical role in driving the economy, creating jobs and responding to the urgency of now in the Western Cape.

In line with the above, my key 2023/4 budget announcements were:

R60.844 million to ensure operational support services to the Department, including human capital development.

R5 million is reserved for upgrading security services.

R134.757 million to promote the sustainable use and management of natural resources.

R38.628 million is assigned for ecological infrastructure and R18.5 million for river protection works.

R222.192 million towards producer support services. Earmarked allocations include the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) of R113 568 million and R59 979 million of Illima/Letsema.

R27.584 million to Casidra SOC Limited to support the department with project and state farm management.

R64.158 million to provide animal health services to prevent and control animal diseases. A further R2.5 million goes towards the upgrade of the Veterinary Laboratory.

R103.261 million to improve agricultural production through research and technology development, focusing on mitigation and adaptation options for farmers in response to climate change.

R42.996 million is set aside for research infrastructure, such as our research farms and support services.

R31.706 million to provide production economics and marketing services to agri-businesses, with a further R7.656 million allocated to facilitating agri-processing initiatives to grow participation in the agricultural value chain.

R57.997 million towards education and training and agricultural skills development.

R10.084 million to enhance the socioeconomic conditions of agri-workers and their families.

In response to three key concerns of the sector, namely, energy, climate change and biosecurity, I will be hosting:

An Agriculture Energy Summit in May/June 2023.

The Western Cape’s Inaugural Veterinary Week in Sep. 2023.

The 9th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture on 22 - 25 July 2024.

I also announced that the Western Cape’s Cannabis Framework and Implementation Plan (CanPlan) had been finalised. It was released on 29 March 2023 for discussion. The plan identifies initiatives for the Department and other provincial departments and partners, laying the foundation for a supportive approach and linking into the National Cannabis Master Plan pillars.

My Budget Address responded to Premier Alan Winde’s call for urgency and vigorous, positive action. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture will continue to inspire hope through growth and jobs across the sector by responding with the fierce urgency of now. AP

Budget speech

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3ovlj1F to access the full budget speech.

Learn more!

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/426CDrt to watch the video:

“Conservation Agriculture bid video South Africa 2024”. Published by Bewaringslandbou Wes-Kaap.

For more information!

Registration opens on 1 October 2023!

Scan the QR code or visit https://wcca9.org/

For more information, contact Daniel Johnson:

“My Budget Address responded to Premier Alan Winde’s call for urgency and vigorous, positive action.”

WWith the extensive loadshedding schedules, it’s been a rather uncertain time for the whole country, putting even more pressure on the agricultural sector to produce under extremely difficult circumstances.

If one thinks of farming, you quickly associate it with rural settings where farms had to be energy and water self-sufficient from the beginning. However, through the years, farms have become more modern and are as reliant on electricity as everyone else. What was once subsistence level farming has now moved into mega farming in order to meet the needs of the evergrowing population and export markets. The mechanisation of the sector has also placed a greater reliance on Eskomgenerated power, which now causes a grave set of hurdles to productivity.

Case study: Wine Producers

Caption extracts from https://bit.ly/45u3WPD

– read more about the wine producer’s challenges and solutions!

Staying prepared for LOAD SHEDDING

by Mary James

As the sector is one that remains resilient through adversities, the age-old Afrikaans saying ’n boer maak ’n plan comes to mind, with many that have already taken some mitigation steps in an effort to curb these circumstances.

“Lack of electricity has long-term implications for businesses. For many wine producers, power cuts hit them where it hurts most: in the cellar.”

To those who are still unfamiliar with these steps, here are a few ways in which one can be more prepared for load shedding on your farm.

Stay one step ahead and check your location-specific load shedding schedule either on your Municipal Social Media Page or by using the various apps that are currently available to download on your smartphone. This allows you to plan your basic day-to-day activities around load shedding.

There are a number of things one can do to be prepared for load shedding.

For farmers and agri-workers

• It is important to ensure that your workspace is properly ventilated during loadshedding.

• It is equally important to take the necessary precautions, particularly during winter when using candles and open fires, as there is an increased risk when using open flames.

• Ensure that all fires and candles are extinguished before going to bed.

• Ensure that no fire is left unattended.

• Opt for battery-operated lighting where possible.

• Generators should be kept in well-ventilated areas as they release poisonous gases when running. The noise of generators due to the noise decibels can also cause hearing damage if placed too close to a workstation for a prolonged period.

“Load shedding causes chaos at farm level, especially during ripening. It disrupts irrigation schedules and any attempt to offload grapes at the cellar fails without electricity. You can’t receive incoming loads or register them on the system, and every activity, from receiving, to pressing to separating comes to a standstill.”

Photos courtesy of Gariëlskloof: https://gabrielskloof.co.za

On the farm

• Ensure that you understand your energy/ electricity needs, in other words, do an energy assessment of your farm.

• Ensure that you have a backup generator or invertor to minimise losses, specifically if you have equipment that requires electricity. This is particularly important for the animal production industry, whilst agri-processing industries can also be gravely impacted.

• Ensure that you back-up your computer and other tools used for data collection and make sure cellphones are always charged.

• Ensure that you switch off appliances and equipment that is not in use to minimise the possibilities of damage caused by the regular power surges.

• Ensure that you insure equipment that is likely to get damaged.

• Ensure that you have alternative measures in place for the care of animals when mechanised feeders are not operational during load shedding.

• Ensure that you have a sufficient supply of water and forage for animals in the case of an emergency.

• When you are unable to pump water to animals, ensure that clean water is made available. It can be from an outdoor source, provided that the water is clean.

• Ensure that adequate quantities of diesel for generators are stored safely.

• Ensure that you monitor the movement around the farm as there is a higher risk of attempted theft and farm attacks.

• If you are not already on a farmer group in your area, join one in order to be able support one another. Be in close communication with your neighbours to create a safety network.

• Create an emergency response plan for your farm consisting of emergency contact numbers.

“Cooling

is a crucial part of winemaking, and that’s another massive impact of load shedding. You can’t cool the water sumps to a temperature where you can control proper fermentation, and you can’t pump anything.”

Photos courtesy of Gariëlskloof.

Some useful tools to consider

• Replace your regular bulbs with Smart LED lights.

• Solar-powered lights are magical considering that we are blessed with lots of natural sunlight in South Africa.

• Generators.

• Inverters.

• Gas geysers.

• Portable power banks.

• Surge resistant/protector plugs.

• Uninterruptable power supply (UPS) allows you to power various devices, from IP cameras to cordless home phones and routers.

• The trusty flask to keep water warm for longer.

• Portable thermos cooler.

2023 PROSPECTS

For more information, contact Mary James:

“The problem also extends to wastewater management, which must be tightly controlled. If cellar runoff isn’t properly treated and disposed of, it can affect sanitation standards, which are very strictly regulated. Treatment requires you to correct the pH balance, which is a mechanical action, and the treated water has to be moved to a runoff dam.”

Note: Consider keeping meals simple and sufficient for a day or two to reduce the requirement to store leftovers. The last thing one would want is to have spoilt food causing food poisoning or to waste food because it is unfit for human consumption.

As we head into the colder and wetter winter season, let’s be mindful of these tips to ensure a safer and more sustainable agricultural sector. AP

Many wine producers install complete solar and battery systems to meet all their energy needs.

Photos courtesy of Gariëlskloof.

Years of Evolving Agricultural Empowerment

by Sandile Mkhwanazi (left) and Zenovia Parker

Elsenburg College Graduation 2022

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3N1QHhW to watch the video: ‘Elsenburg College Graduation 2022’. Published by Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

TThe Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute will be celebrating its quasquicentennial* year of existence this year, a milestone for the first of its kind agricultural college in Africa. From its inception under the Victoria College, now the Stellenbosch University, the institute has strengthened its relationship with the university and made ground-breaking strides in improving the programmes and courses it offers.

In 1899 the College had relatively few students (44) enrolled in its first year, with five students graduating. This number has

grown in leaps and bounds and the College now awards qualifications to at least 200 graduates and offers short skills-based courses to at least 3 000 participants per annum. Its continued growth is a testament to its relevance and contribution to the agricultural sector, and to all citizens.

With a diverse student community, ranging from would-be farmers to farmers currently plying their trade, well-aligned courses and refresher courses have been developed to ensure that well-rounded graduates are educated annually.

Staff and first students in front of the Manor House.

This diversity has helped the College to keep abreast of technological advances in the industry for the sake of efficiency and productivity.

The College’s outstanding reputation in training and supporting the youth is evolving, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when blended learning systems were implemented. The global pandemic propelled the use of online learning systems, with a reliance on newer information technology, in an effort to ensure ongoing education and training for students who were dispersed throughout the province and elsewhere.

Reflecting on the class of 2022, a total of 177 students graduated in spite of the many challenges over the past three years. This serves as a testament to the advances the College has made; thanks to the commitment, adaptability and resilience of staff and students in keeping with the tradition of being a cut above the rest!

In honour of the history of this great institution and the many contributions of our students, staff, alumni and stakeholders, a number of celebrations will be hosted throughout the year, culminating in a special event planned for September 2023 These celebrations serve as a time for the campus community, including the

numerous alumni supporters and friends, to recognise the strategic role this College has in the agricultural sector throughout South Africa. AP

For more information!

Scan the QR code or visit: https://www.elsenburg.com/ elsenburg-agricultural-training-institute/ for more information on the College and courses offered.

For more information, contact Sandile Mkhwanazi: sandile.mkhwanazi@westerncape.gov.za or Zenovia Parker: zenovia.parker@westerncape.gov.za

Elsenburg’s SRC Team. Back from left: Jay-Jay Galant, Anwill Ryk, Tino Singe, Siya Dariseni and Mpilo Mbonane. Middle from left: Evette Lucas, Erika Nieuwoudt, Le Roux de Vos, Karli Coetzee and Pheliswa Toto. Front from left: Engela Uithaler, Emihle Nonjola, SJ Herholdt, Emma Claassen and Heidi Nicholls.

Then.

Now.

Celebrating Arbor Month and encouraging planting of indigenous trees

by Alfred Mokwele

AArbor Month is commemorated in September every year and it is all about planting the right tree in the right season at the right place.

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Makhotso Sotyu, launched the National Arbor Month campaign on 1 September 2022 in Mbombela, Mpumalanga under the theme: “Forest, sustainable production and consumption”, focusing on the sustainable development and management of forests in the country. It outlines the interventions

that will yield growth and investments through the Forestry Sector Master Plan.

The 2022 Central Karoo district event was held at the Youth Hub in the Mandlenkosi area, Beaufort West on 7 September 2022 The event was a collaborative annual project led by the Central Karoo Arbor Forum, targeting the entire Central Karoo region. Stakeholders involved include the WCDoA, DFFE, WCDoLG, WCDoE, WCDoH, DALRRD, SanParks, SAPS, Transnet, CWP, district and local municipality and all primary schools in the region.

Poster competition participating pupils from Teske Gedenk School who were awarded first prize, during tree planting.

The focus points of the 2022 event were to educate children from neighbouring schools and the community on the importance of trees, beautifying the parks, as well as creating awareness on deforestation. This was achieved by having a poster competition on the importance of trees for all schools in the Central Karoo region. Since this event was a collaborative event, various stakeholders donated gifts for all winner and runners-up.

The following important facts about trees were highlighted:

Trees help address the socioeconomic and environmental needs of South Africa.

Forests are essential for planetary health and human wellbeing.

Forests are vital for sustaining food production.

The forest sector generates jobs for at least 33 million people.

Billions of people use forest products.

Sustainable use of forests will help us move to an economy based on renewable, reusable and recyclable material. More actions are required to stop deforestation, degradation of forests, and expanding the use of forest products that contribute to carbon neutrality. Lastly, sustainable wood is an essential material for greening cities.

Garden tools for all participating schools.

Goody bags handed out to learners who participated in the poster competition.

Flower of pompon tree (Dais cotinifolia).

Photo © David Becking

The pompon tree is one of the bestknown and well-loved indigenous trees, tough enough to be used as a street tree and small enough to fit into most gardens. When in flower during Christmas, it looks like a giant ball of candyfloss, as the tree transforms into a cloud of soft pink balls. Its natural home is the eastern part of South Africa where it grows on the margins of forests, wooded hill slopes and in stony kloofs.

The target audience of the Arbor Day event included school learners, educators and the community of Beaufort West –Mandlenkosi and Rustdene residents.

Eleven primary schools in the region were invited to participate in the poster competition using the 2022 Arbor month theme. Six primary schools attented the event, namely Beaufort West, JD Crawford, HM Dlikidla, AH Barnard, Prince

Read more!

Scan the QR code or visit https://treesa.org/daiscotinifolia/ to read more about the pompon tree.

Albert and Teske Gedenk.

The tree promoted in 2022 was the pompon tree (Dais cotinifolia) from the Thymelaeaceae tree family. Other common names include pincushion tree, kannabas, speldekussing and basboom (Afrikaans), intozani (Xhosa) and intozwane-emnyama (Zulu).

Photo © David Becking

Photo © David Becking

A total of 543 drought-resistance shade trees were distributed to Central Karoo communities, including five primary schools each receiving five shade trees. The winning schools include Teske Gedenk, that walked away with the first prize, including the free educational programme at Grantham hosted by SanParks on 2 December 2022. Second and third places went to AH Barnard and HM Dlikidla primary schools respectively.

Areas of improvement

More stakeholder engagement is critical to mobilise the community, disseminate information, as well as strengthening partnerships, awareness on tree planting and the risk of deforestation are key. AP

ACRONYMS

WCDOA – Western Cape Department of Agriculture

DFFE – Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment

WCDoLG – Western Cape Department of Local Government

WCDoE – Western Cape Department of Education

WCDoH – Western Cape Department of Health

DALRRD – Department of Agriculture

Land Reform and Rural Development

SanParks – South African National Parks

SAPS – South African Police Service

CWP – Community Worker Programme

For more information, contact Alfred Mokwele: alfred.mokwele@westerncape.gov.za

Alfred Mokwele addressing the winning schools before presenting the prizes and goody bags.

Beaufort West Local Municipality Deputy Mayor, Lulama Piti, planting a ceremonial tree at the Youth Hub in the Mandlenkosi area and assisted by Nokukhanyo Mwandla from DFFE.

“

A total of 543 droughtresistance shade trees were distributed to Central Karoo communities.”

Agriculture for All

by Deona Strydom

The Western Cape Association for People with Disabilities is a registered nonprofit organisation and a public benefit organisation and is committed to social development of persons with disabilities in the Western Cape. The 25 branches across the province provide an inclusive service to all persons with disabilities, irrespective of age, gender, nationality or religion.

Learn more!

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/45Ez5jd to show to your support.

TThe Central Karoo Agriculture team visited the Beaufort West Association for Persons with Disabilities in March. The main aim of the day was to include this oftenoverlooked sector of society and to ensure that they are made aware of the role they can play in the agricultural sector.

The Beaufort West Association for Persons with Disabilities consists of the Masixole Day Care Centre where 25 children with severe disabilities are taken care of during the week. They also have a workshop where more than 40 people with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 60 learn a trade or life skills. The skills include training in upholstery, reparation of shoes, laundry and woodwork. Through the workshop they provide products and services at a low cost to the community.

Beaufort West is the largest town in the arid Great Karoo. It is the centre of an agricultural district based mainly on sheep farming.

Photo © Arnold Petersen

During our visit, the students were educated on the correct treatment of pets and encouraged to dip, sterilise and vaccinate their animals. The importance of water was also addressed: water sources, scarcity, drought and how we as responsible citizens can contribute to the sustainability of our water sources.

Our next visit will focus on household gardens, and we will support them with the establishment of their own moveable garden.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This was another collaborative event between the programmes Sustainable Resource Use and Management, Agriculture Producer Support and Development, Rural Development, Veterinary Services and our trusted partner Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency. AP

For more information, contact Deona Strydom: deona.strydom@westerncape.gov.za

“During our visit, the students were educated on the correct treatment of pets and encouraged to dip, sterilise and vaccinate their animals.”

Staff in action.

Hortgro PSHB action plan

by Hortgro PHBS Team

TThe polyphagous shot-hole borer beetle is one of the top priorities at Hortgro given the serious impact it could have on the future viability of the pome and stone fruit industries. A PSHB Focus Group was formed last year and meets regularly to monitor development and agree on industry priorities in mitigating the risk.

The strategy to address the risk posed by PSHB should be built on three pillars:

1. Monitoring

2. Preventing the spread

Polyphagous shot-hole borer beetle (Euwallacea fornicatus).

With respect to the progress made on the PSHB programme, the following points are relevant.

3. Eradicating on-farm infestations A

A total of 300 PSHB traps (approximately 50 traps per area) were placed in six major production areas over the past three months. The areas are:

• Stellenbosch

• Berg River

• Ceres (WB)

• Wolseley

• Elgin, Villiersdorp and Grabouw

• Langkloof

• Klein Karoo

“Risk mitigation to prevent the spread of the insect has been flagged.”

The Hortgro Pome and Stone Boards have made additional funding available to increase research capacity, expand the monitoring programme, and develop technology for faster identification of trapped insects.

A further 200 to 300 traps were commissioned and will be placed in the coming season. The pheromone lures are produced by a Canadian company and currently only have an experimental registration in South Africa. We will do whatever we can to fast-track the registration of the lure. This will enable more commercial companies to supply the lure in future when a higher level of monitoring might be needed.

Hortgro has contracted FruitFly Africa to service the traps in the areas where they are active while additional monitoring capacity will be established in regions that FruitFly Africa does not cover. This will ensure that an industry-wide surveillance blanket is established. Growers in regions who want to scout for the presence of PSHB on the borders of their farms, in orchards or in gardens on the farm can follow the guidelines set out in the additional links on page 23.

Risk mitigation to prevent the spread of the insect has been flagged at the provincial and national government level to motivate funding and to provide controls and institute regulations to prevent the spread of the insect between production regions. The provincial government will assist with communication with municipalities.

Infestation in oak tree.

PSHB eggs.

Feedback regarding the existing traps is as follows:

Apart from the well-reported infestation in Somerset West and recently in the Newlands-Mowbray-Claremont corridor in Cape Town, significant infestation has been observed in the Stellenbosch region. High levels of infestation are reported in specifically oak trees in the town centre.

Locations around Stellenbosch where PSHB was found since monitoring commenced during January 2023 are: Bergkelder, Asara, Nietvoorbij, Devon Valley, Weltevrede Nursery, Vlottenburg, Welgevonden, Central Stellenbosch, Onder Papegaaiberg and Die Boord. A meeting was arranged with Stellenbosch producers to discuss the management of PSHB. Training of orchard monitors has taken place and more training sessions are envisioned.

Awareness campaigns have been initiated to inform industry stakeholders and the public of material that can spread PSHB. Growers have been alerted to look out for and report any symptoms of potential infestations. Training videos are also planned. Access to suitable fruit orchards for field trials was finalised by the end of the third quarter of 2022. Various experimental chemical, biological and mechanical treatments will be evaluated in these orchards. Trees will be independently monitored, and the results will be published as soon as it becomes available.

Two industry-funded research projects on PSHB commenced in January 2023. Various other research projects will be initiated during the year. Additional field days are being planned, following the two well-attended field days held at Lourensford in August 2022.

The legislative status of PSHB will continue to be raised on several platforms, and lobbying actions are taking place with various national government departments.

PSHB damage on beefwood.

PSHB damage on a pear tree.

While legislation is not yet in place, great care should be taken in not allowing potentially infested material (firewood and green waste) onto farms and into regions where PSHB does not occur. Treated pine and eucalyptus pallets do not present a risk.

PSHB does not present a market-access risk since fruit is not infested and does not serve as a pathway.

Apart from the natural spread from tree to tree, human-assisted PSHB distribution primarily occurs through the movement of infested wood and green waste. AP

ADDITIONAL LINKS

PSHB reproductive host trees

A list of PSHB reproductive host trees can be down-loaded from the FABI PSHB website: www.fabinet.up.ac.za/pshb

Grower-focused PSHB

Hortgro has developed a grower-focused PSHB website: https://bit.ly/3IVsqr9 The site will include all relevant information regarding the management of the insect, monitoring and action plans.

Additional documents

Go to https://bit.ly/3NaGpvK to download additional documents on PSHB identification, management and deposing of infected material, and how to confirm identification and submit a sample.

Integrated Pest Management Group

The classification of the pest is pending, which will allow local authorities, provincial government and disaster management structures at the provincial and national levels to deal with the threat. Hortgro will also proactively engage with government to assist the worst-affected producers in case mitigation regulations require removing infested orchards.

Please join the Integrated Pest Management Group (IPM) that meets the last Friday of every month to keep up to date with the latest information. Contact to join.

Additional documents

Scan the QR code or visit https://youtu.be/Qf35FfwDPHg to watch the video presentation by Prof Francois Roets, Stellenbosch University.

To report possible sightings and for more information, contact pshb@hortgro.co.za

PSHB trapped with other insects.

A rare case of Verbesina poisoning in sheep

by Chanel Lombard

IIn February 2023 the Vredendal State

Veterinarian office was contacted by a farmer of the Sandveld region who had lost 50 pregnant sheep and two duikers overnight after moving them to a new camp. Upon inspection, post-mortems of the sheep were done and fluid was found in their chest cavities. The camp was a fallow potato field with sandy soil. There was little natural vegetation for grazing and the animals did not receive any supplementary feed. The only thing

that grew abundantly in the camp was Verbesina encelioides. The plants had been grazed extensively and were found in the rumens of the dead sheep.

Verbesina encelioides, also known as golden crownbeard or wilde sonneblom, is a common, exotic, invasive weed of disturbed areas, like roadsides and previously cultivated land. It is very toxic, especially for sheep, but is rarely eaten by livestock. In this case, since there was not much else available, it was eaten.

Verbesina encelioides, also known as golden crownbeard or wilde sonneblom.

Clinical signs of toxicity include sudden death, engorgement of the lungs with blood and fluid in the thoracic cavity.

The sheep were moved to a clean camp and given dried lucerne. Except for two that died while being moved, no more deaths occurred. AP

isiXhosa translation

Imeko engaqhelekanga yethyefu i “Verbesina” ezigusheni

NgoFebhuwari walonyaka ka 2023, umfama okwingingqi ye “Sandveld” uye waqhakamshelana ne-ofisi ese Vredendal neyiyeyooGqirha boNyango Lwemfuyo kuRhulumente, nothe wabe kanti uphulukene neegusha ezingama 50 ngobusuku nebesezifakile kunye nemikhonjane emibini. Oku kwenzeke emva kokuba ezithyalele kwinkampu entsha. Xa bekusenziwa uhlolo, iziphumo ezingunobangela wokufa kwezi gusha, kuye kwafunyaniswa kukho ubuthyufu-thufu kuqhoqhoqho. Le nkampu ibilifusi lentsimi yeetapile kumhlaba oyisanti. Ibincinci kakhuu ingca yokuba ingadliwa zezi gusha yaye khange zibenako nokunye ukutya ebezinokuxhathisa ngako. Esona sityalo siye sakhula kakhulu kule nkampu ibe yi “Verbesina encelioides”. Kubonakala ukuba ezi gusha zisidle kakhulu esi sityalo sade sabonakala sikulusu lwezi gusha zifileyo. i”Verbesina encelioides”, neyaziwa njenge “golden crownbeard” okanye i “wilde sonneblom”, sisityalo esiqhelekileyo, asiqhelekanga kwezinye iindawo, lukhula oluvele luvele kwiindawo ezingalinywanga njenga secaleni komgaqo nakumasimi ebeke asetyenziswa. Asiqhelekanga kakhulu, ingakumbi ezigusheni, kodwa asifane sidliwe yimfuyo. Kule meko, kuba besesingasininzanga, ziye zasidla. Iimpawu ezibonakala ngako oku kunqaba, ziquka ukuvele zife, ukutsarhwa nokugutyungelwa kwemiphunga ligazi nobuthyufu-thyufu esifubeni.

Ezo gusha zifuduselwe kwenye inkampu zaze zanikwa i lusini eyomileyo. Ngaphandle kwezo zimbini nezithe zafa zisafuduswa, akukhange kufunyanwe eziphinde zafa emva koko.

For more information, contact Chanel Lombard:

Verbesina encelioides grows readily in sandy soils.

Post-mortem examinations of sheep being conducted to determine the cause of death.

EMPOWER RURAL COMMUNITIES

Fight substance abuse and gender-based violence

by Melvin Genuka

TThe Rural Development Programme, one of the eight programmes within the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), completed two Agri-Worker Household Census Cycles by March 2017 and March 2021 that emphasised the need for interventions related to substance abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) awareness and prevention.

This programme committed themselves to address these social illnesses and joined hands with the organisation FASfacts

Worcester to empower rural communities to take responsibility to ensure the reduction of substance abuse and eradicate GBV.

The Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention Project was successfully implemented in the Overberg (Riviersonderend), Garden Route (Slangrivier) and Central Karoo (Merweville).

Thirty-one community representatives were identified as the “champions” who completed a three-day training, as well

as two community awareness sessions on foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), alcohol and drug abuse, GBV and to serve as a community champion and mentor. They were recruited by the community development officers of the Department with the assistance of social welfare organisations and other community leaders. They are indeed the champions in their communities who committed themselves to stop the cycle of abuse and put their money where their mouth is. We salute the champions who took full responsibility for this project since their first engagement. Their passion already spilt over to other departments, municipalities and community organisations who partnered with them to address substance abuse, foetal alcohol syndrome and GBV. More than 220 people were already reached through community awareness sessions in the three districts through their community outreaches at local clinics and community events.

By investing in this project, the Department not only contributes to combat social ills that plague our rural communities but also invested in the development of rural communities. This project is testimony that working together across the different spheres of government can reap rewards.

Slangrivier Community Champions with Project Leaders.

Community Champions during Riviersonderend training session.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

A WhatsApp group for the three groups of champions has been created to ensure continued support and assistance from the Department. It remains government’s responsibility to support local communities, especially those communities with limited resources.

During February 2023 at the FASfacts Open Day and Annual General Meeting in Worcester, the champions received certificates of acknowledgement for successfully completing the three days of training and committed themselves to serve their communities. Certificates were handed over by Jacqueline Pandaram, Chief-Director: Rural Development, Jacky Cupido, project leader, and Melvin Genuka, co-project leader.

Merweville training session.

Carlo Lekay receiving his Community Champion certificate after the Merweville training session. Presenting Carlo with his certificate are (from left) Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Jacqueline Pandaram (Chief-Director Rural Development), Deona Strydom (Community Development Officer: Central Karoo) and Melvin Genuka (Co-Project Leader).

During her hand-over speech, Jacky said, “Today is one of my best days in rural development – just to witness how proud the champions are on what they have achieved and on the work they will be doing.”

The champions received their certificates with so much pride and to be acknowledge as a community changer.

Another certificate ceremony was held during March 2023 in Merweville in the Central Karoo to acknowledge the champions that were trained there. The event was a great success and a true reflection of the humbleness of the Karoo people. The champions, who mostly consist of senior women from the community, have made a commitment that with these new skills they acquired, they will do whatever they can to free their community from the evils of substance abuse. AP

Learn more!

Scan the QR code or visit https://fasfacts.org.za/ to learn more about FASfacts!

For more information, contact Melvin Genuka: melvin.genuka@westerncape.gov.za

Merweville Community Champions with Rural Development Staff. Jacky Cupido providing background on the project.

High time to demystify the cannabis industry

WCDoA visits the Felbridge medicinal cannabis producer

by Mzwanele Lingani

(left) and Ziyanda Hadebe

CCannabis sativa. L is an annual dioecious flowering herb and has a long history in the medicine industries as well as in nonmedicinal use.

Cannabis has two species, hemp and dagga, which are differentiated by their chemical composition, mainly the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content that is responsible for the “high”. Hemp contains about 0.3% or less THC with no psychoactive effects while dagga has greater than 0.3% of THC.

For more information!

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3ILkmt4

The cannabis value chain starts at seed selection, then cultivation, after which it can be sold raw or processed, subject to the nature of country-level cannabis legislation. A range of products can be obtained from processing different parts of the cannabis plant. The cannabis stalk and leaves are usually used for fibre production whilst the flowers and seeds are mainly for oil extractions and further processed to produce other food products and medication.

CASE STUDY

To demystify the cannabis industry, the Agricultural Producer Support and Development Programme of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) organised a farm visit to Felbridge farm in Stellenbosch. Barry Zetler welcomed the delegation from the Department and took officials through the cannabis practices of the farm.

Image published by Walther Otto Müller - From Franz Eugen Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen. Published and copyrighted by Gera-Untermhaus, FE Köhler in 1887 (1883–1914).

Cannabis sativa, scientific drawing, circa 1900.

Hemp salve balm, CBD oil capsules and dried cannabis flower buds and seeds.

Strawberries and peppers were Felbridge’s primary production until July 2019, when they were granted a license by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). The license granted permission to cultivate, import and export medicinal cannabis.

The cannabis production at Felbridge is under greenhouse and the total licensed area under cannabis is 1.4ha (14 000m2 ). Last year, the business exported over 1 000kg of cannabidiol (CBD) dry flowers to Switzerland, and seeds are exported to neighbouring countries, such as Zimbabwe. The cannabis business produces dry flowers, seeds and clone tissue culture.

The business highlighted that production costs in South Africa are low compared to European countries thanks to the South African climate. Felbridge has capacity to produce up to 10 000 clones per day with propagation capacity of 100 000 clones. They have a tissue culture storage capacity of 220 000 tissue cultures. These clone tissue cultures are packed in trays of 20 or 48 plants and sold mostly to European countries.

Cannabis cultivated in tunnels.

Image source: Canva

Normally, the business employs between 40 and 50 workers; however, this number goes up to 100 during planting and harvesting seasons. Electricity cost is the highest of the production cost as the lights and fan need to be operated 24 hours a day. This cost is double if there is load shedding, as the cost of fuel is expensive.

required in establishing a cannabis farm –an area of 1.4ha is estimated at R10 million to R30 million.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is mandated to regulate hemp production, however, lessons can be drawn from this farm, especially since the production processes of hemp and dagga are similar. The potential size of the cannabis industry in South Africa is estimated at R28 billion, creating about 10 000 to 25 000 jobs across the value chain (DALRRD, 2021).

Barry mentioned that the challenge in the sector is unregistered fertilisers and chemicals. He also said that besides the expensive cost of production and high returns, a significantly large investment is

The Felbridge business shows there is a high demand for cannabis, especially on the international market. The cannabis industry has potential to create employment and build capacity on cannabis production and marketing. The establishment costs of a cannabis farm may be substantial; however, the South African climate, which is favourable for the production of cannabis, may give the industry a competitive edge.

Cannabis sativa – male.

Cannabis sativa – female.

“The potential size of the cannabis industry in South Africa is estimated at R28 billion.”

Photo © Plantman

Photo © Thayne Tuason

Some info on the South African legislation on cannabis

The cultivation and manufacturing of cannabis in South Africa for medicinal purposes is currently regulated by the SAHPRA as permitted by the Department of Health. Hemp is regulated by the DALRRD under the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act No 53 of 1976). The Act regulates the cultivation, distribution and sale of hemp propagating material in South Africa. Therefore, the Department is responsible for issuing permits related to the hemp industry, such as the cultivation of hemp, transportation, the varietal listing of hemp varieties, and import and export of hemp among others. AP

“The cannabis value chain starts at seed selection, then cultivation, after which it can be sold raw or processed, subject to the nature of country-level cannabis legislation.”

ISebe leZolimo eNtshona Koloni lityelele abavelisi kwi “Felbridge Medicinal Cannabis” – Lifikile ixesha lokucacisa ngecandelo leemveliso zentsangu

Kumnyaka ka 2022 kuye kwatyelelwa kwifama i Felbridge ese Stellenbosch. Ngomnyaka ka 2019, eli shishini laye lanikwa ilayisensi ligunya lolawulo i SAHPRA nto leyo ilinike imvume yokulima, bathenge kumanye amazwe de bathengisele amanye amazwe intsangu elungele amayeza onyango.

Ukuveliswa kwentsangu (amagqabi entsangu, iipete zentsangu kunye nokulinyelwa kwezityalo kwizitya kumhlaba ongaphantsi kwe 14 000 m2 (ngobukhulu) kukhokelele ekuthunyelweni kweemveliso ezingaphezulu kobunzima be toni yamagqabi entsangu ehlobo lungenasiyobisi (CBD) ngonyaka, kwilizwe lase Switzerland ze lathengisa iipete zentsangu kumazwe angabamelwane. Ngokuthi sincokole nalo mfama, siqaphele into yokuba iindleko zokulinywa kwentsangu kuMzantsi Afrika aziphakamanga kunaxa siqathanisa nakumazwe aseYurophi. Noku kunjalo, kufuneka imali eyinkunzi yokuqalisa eli shishini ephezulu kakhulu. Ukuveliswa kwentsangu kwenzeka ngokusetyenziswa kwabantu yaye nokuqhawu-qhawuka kogesi kuphimisela ifuthe leziphumo ezingezihle nanjengokuba kufuneka izibane zihlale zikhanyisa ze soloko kumonoya opholileyo, imini nobusuku bayo (iyure ezingama 24). Izichumisi ezingaziwayo ngokomthetho kunye namachiza zezinye zemingeni kweli shishini.

isiXhosa summary

Hoog tyd om die kannabisbedryf te ontsluier

Die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Landbou het in 2022 besoek afgelê by die Felbridge-plaas in Stellenbosch. SAHPRA het in 2019 ’n lisensie aan dié onderneming toegestaan wat hulle toestemming gee om medisinale dagga te kweek, in te voer en uit te voer.

Die produksie van dagga (droë blomme, sade en kloonweefselkultuur) op ’n oppervlakte van 14 000 m2 het gelei tot die uitvoer van meer as ’n ton kannabidiol(CBD) droëblomme per jaar na Switserland en sade na buurlande.

Die boer, Barry Zetler, het genoem dat die koste van produksie in Suid-Afrika relatief laag is in vergelyking met Europese lande, maar kapitaalbesteding is enorm. Kannabisproduksie is arbeids-intensief en beurtkrag het wel ’n negatiewe impak aangesien die ligte en waaiers 24 uur per dag aan die gang is. Ongeregistreerde kunsmis en chemikalieë is van die uitdagings in die besigheid.

LAUNCH OF WESTERN CAPE CANPLAN SET TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENT OF CANNABIS AND HEMP VALUE CHAINS

The CanPlan (Western Cape Cannabis Framework and Implementation Plan), launched on 29 March 2023 by Minister Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, position the Western Cape in terms of the national regulatory framework and clearly identifies the mandate and recommended interventions of its Department of Agriculture and other provincial departments. For more information and the full plan, please refer to the following documentation and information:

CanPlan Implementation Plan

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3qi949p

For more information, contact Mzwanele Lingani:

CanPlan Literature Review

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3C3lEvM

Media release

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3oAyoXA

Afrikaans summary

Western Cape Food Inflation Brief: February 2023

by Ayabonga Sibulali (left) and Asanda Molefe

FFood price changes have an influence on the consumer spending power and the quantity of items that can be purchased at household level. Figure 1 illustrates average prices of all food items consumed in South Africa (RSA) and the Western Cape (WC)

since February 2015 to February 2023 on a year-on-year (y/y) basis. In March 2021, the RSA and WC food prices started to rise as the country and the world gradually opened up after hard-lockdown government restrictions. The latter made this a priority concern in the country due to its anticipated impact associated with COVID-19 (USDA, 2021). The country’s food prices (y/y) have been rising for almost a year (BFAP, 2023), recording 13.9% in February 2023, two times higher than 6.7% in February 2022, and the February average price since 2010. WC reported a food price increase of 12.4% (y/y) in February 2023, 1.5% lower than the national food price increase (13.9%).

Wheat harvesting, Overberg.

The area has always been considered as the breadbasket of the Cape and is largely given to grain farming — mainly wheat.

Photo © Leonard Hugo

The food price increase in February 2023 can be associated, amongst other things, with the international wheat prices rising marginally by 0.3% in February (FAO, 2023). The food price increase was also a reflection of the continued uncertainties from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Other contributing factors included the dry conditions in key production areas of hard red winter wheat in the United States of America (USA), as well as the rise in the world grains prices such as maize. The grain prices were underpinned by limited production in the USA and the European Union, dry conditions for maize crop plantings in Argentina, and uncertainty caused by Ukraine’s exports (FAO, 2022). The country’s unstable and weaker trading exchange rate (ZAR/US$) recently (BFAP, 2023) impacted domestic food prices. The increasing global commodity prices, accompanied by higher farm input costs including feed, and local fuel prices, were also the drivers of food inflation from 2019 to February 2023.

Comparing February to January 2023 month on month (m/m) WC food price

Additionally, persistent global food-supply disruptions and unending Eskom blackouts’ impact on irrigated agriculture drive food price increases.

changes, vegetables (1.4%), bread and cereals (1.0%), and fish (1.0%) were among the products driving the food price increases in the province (see Figure 2 on next page). The vegetable prices have increased driven by weather-related factors in key production regions and strong local consumer demand.

The absolute prices for onions, potatoes and tomatoes increased significantly due to supply shortfalls caused by erratic weather conditions (BFAP, 2023). This occurred in the presence of the persistent consumer spending power constraints.

Moreover, low investment in farm production and productivity, seasonality, harvesting to off-season activities, exchange rate dynamics and collapsing Port of Cape Town infrastructure, all have an impact on the food prices.

Figure 1: South Africa and Western Cape: Headline and Food Prices (Feb-2015 to Feb 2023)

Source: (StatsSA, 2023)

Furthermore, the meat prices in the WC declined, reaching -0.4 % (m/m) – an opposite picture of the national prices (0.2%). This could be a reflection of global abundant poultry supplies, and stable world bovine meat prices combined with improved import purchases, especially from North Asia (FAO, 2023).

In conclusion, in February 2023 the headline inflation for RSA was at 7.0% (y/y) and food 13.9% (y/y). In the WC headline inflation was at 6.95% (y/y) and food 12.4% (y/y). Products with significant increases in the WC were vegetables (1.4%), milk, eggs and cheese (1.1%), bread and cereal (1.0%), and fish (1.0%) (m/m). AP

References

BFAP. (2022). Food Inflation Brief: March 2022. Pretoria, South Africa: Bureau For Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP).

BFAP. (2023). Food Inflation Brief. Pretoria, South Africa: BFAP.

FAO. (2022). FAO Food Price Index virtually unchanged in October. Food and Agriculture Organisation.

FAO. (2023, March 22). Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations. Retrieved from fao. org: www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/foodpricesindex/en/

StatsSA. (2023). Time Series data: CPI Publications. Pretoria, South Africa: Statistics South Africa.

USDA. (2021). Rising Food Price Inflation in South Africa causes concern for Consumers. Pretoria, South Africa: United States Department of Agriculture.

For more information, contact Ayabonga Sibulali: or Asanda Molefe:

Figure 2: WC Month-on-Month Price Change (%); February vs January, 2023

Source: (StatsSA, 2023)

Promising start to GAME AUCTION SEASON!

by Riaan Nowers | Photos courtesy of Thaba Tholo – www.thabatholo.co.za

TThe 2023 game auction season kicked off with a record-breaking number of game sold during the first quarter. Some 11 688 head of game were transacted, improving on the previous record of 8 830 sold during the first quarter of 2022. This quarter also saw a record-equalising number of game auctions held during the month of March with 23 game auctions that took place, taking the number of auctions to 33 during this first quarter.

Following a record-breaking 2022 in terms of game numbers sold as well as a record number of 152 game auctions held,

the first quarter holds much promise for the rest of the year! Last year it was predicted that the R2-3 million turnover category would be the most popular turnover during 2023 but there are very strong signals that the most successful category would be that of the R3-4 million bracket!

Quarter 1 of 2023 has already generated an income of R179,3 million rand, which is some 35.8% of the 2022 turnover.

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus).

ECONOMIC NEWS

Table 1: The game auction results of Quarter 1 of 2023 may be summarised as follows:

PERFORMANCE OF GAME AUCTION INDUSTRY: 2020 - March 2023

Data below focusses on actual animal (game) sales and excludes hunting, livestock and other tourism sales

The game industry is in many ways a leader when it comes to the innovative ways, with both live and timed auctions being held and online platforms playing a major role in its success. The online sharing of species’ genetic history and its productive records does much to build confidence amongst prospective buyers of animals.

Early indications are also that live auctions are extremely well supported. This allows for great interaction amongst role-players, which is so crucial within this industry. The diversity of offerings includes inter alia strong support to charity groups, which broadens and sustains the positive image of the industry amongst a wider net of stakeholders.

Although it is extremely early in the season to really evaluate which species will be doing well, some species did catch the attention amongst participants. Black impala rams and other colour variants continued its growing popularity, with common springbok, nyala, gemsbok,

For more information, contact Riaan Nowers:

With SANParks also participating and thus willing to share some valuable genetic material amongst game ranchers, the private populations are stimulated and encouraged to expand its genetic diversity and vigour resulting in stronger herds with ultimate benefit not only to the rancher, but also to nature as a whole. The adaptability of species within regions and its ability to combat some diseases should never be underestimated.

blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra also showing strong sales in numbers.

From a value perspective it was quite surprising and refreshing to see how well plains game species, such as blue wildebeest and some impala categories, did. Waterbuck and unspecified sable antelope also performed exceptionally well and realised healthy prices. AP

Impala (Aepyceros melampus).

Are collaborative partnerships the future?

by Dr Hans Britz

Partnerships for the purpose of delivering a service can benefit the community more than if the sectors worked as separate entities.

The Western Cape Government is of course citizen-centric, and in 2017, two of the values, namely those of Innovation and Caring, led to the creation of the Oudtshoorn Compulsory Community Service Clinic. This was a joint venture between the State Vet office and Animal Care Team, a local nonprofit animal welfare organisation.

The clinic aims to provide primary animal health care to those that cannot afford private veterinary fees. The private veterinarians in the area support the clinic and they refer cost constraint cases to the clinic. The private veterinarians also serve as mentors for the young Compulsory Community Service veterinarians.

TThe well-known author and political activist Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This was referring to political and human rights issues but can be applied to many current phenomena. In a post-COVID-19 world, the financial impacts are far reaching for both public and private sector. Now is the time for the state and other organisations to join forces and see how they can solve problems collaboratively.

“Awaiting My Rabies Vaccination”

Helen Adams Keller (27 June 1880 – 1 June 1968) was an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer.

The state provides some of the drugs, the building and the vet, while equipment etc. received from local animal welfare organisations, schools, veterinary retail industries, private veterinarians and a local carpentry business assembled the clinic to where it is today as a joint effort, from what was just an empty garage. The clinic also works closely with the municipal pound staff, regularly seeing to their sick animals and doing routine sterilisations for them.

Local volunteers function as ad hoc clinic staff and assist with holding patients and post-operative care. Local schoolchildren interested in becoming veterinarians also shadow at the clinic and foster their love for animals. This community effort partnership is non-profitable yet self-sustainable as the community is a part of it.

The Oudtshoorn State Vet office also has a long-term arrangement with Animal

Care Team to host the annual Oudtshoorn Animal Day. This event started in 2018 as a rabies vaccination day, where residents of the greater Oudtshoorn area could bring their dogs and cats for a free vaccination against rabies.

Thanks to the involvement of the government, over 50 local business entities donating, schools attending, the local mayor of Oudtshoorn attending, a local radio station and of course the residents of Oudtshoorn, this event has grown tremendously over the last few years. This year the planning committee was a joint effort between State Vet office members, animal welfare group members and members of public, with some input from local schools as well. The committee was led by the State Vet office. We worked closely with a local school to organise the first Oudtshoorn Animal Day community colour run fundraiser.

Colour Fun Run.

The question to be asked is whether working together can be to the benefit of both the public sector as well as private entities. There are a large number of obstacles to overcome in order to ensure the success of such partnerships but where there are a shared outcome and willing people, there will always be a way in which to achieve the goal.

Past experience has shown that the different skill sets, mandates and approaches to business have been contributing to each other’s success. This is not a new concept and have been used the world over with great success.

By working with private entities, the reach of State Veterinary Services and rabies vaccination campaigns are increased. The animal welfare groups use the Oudtshoorn Animal Day as a fundraising and awareness platform with locals all contributing donations.

By highlighting social partnerships, the government can achieve so much more. In a time where the credibility of certain government functions is at a lower level than what is required, government can use all the help they can get. Veterinary Services has in the past shown that good co-operation with the public sector has been very successful not only in the eradication of diseases but also in the upliftment of the farming enterprises and community.

In conclusion, collaborative partnerships are the future of government services and for the benefit of all. AP

For more information, contact Dr Hans Britz:

Oudtshoorn Animal Day planning committee. Back row from left: Elmarie Leach Swiegers and Esmari du Toit.

Middle: Riana Lindeque, Dr Hans Britz, Dr Cathy Fox, Makayla Bacon, Jenonise Noni and Terrie Terblanche. Front: Vanessa Engelbrecht.

“

Now is the time for the state and other organisations to join forces and see how they can solve problems collaboratively.”

How to TASTE WINE – Part 1

by Brenton Maarman

CCitrus or tropical? Blackcurrant or plum? Chocolate or cigar box? Wooded or unwooded? Are these terms puzzling you when you do a wine tasting?

Wine tasting used to be an activity for the elite and sophisticated. However, tasting wine is now an activity enjoyed by many and younger consumers make it trendy by posting it on various social media platforms. Due to social media posting, more people show an interest in wine, but one question always pops up in wine conversations: How do you taste wine in the correct manner?

The secret is that anyone can taste wine – all you need is a glass of wine and your brain. This article forms part of a series of articles that will focus on how to taste wines in an unpretentious and fun way, how to taste white wine, uncorking red wines, tasting the stars of sparkling wine and hitting the sweet spot with dessert wines.

First of all, there are four basic wine tasting steps:

Visual appearance: It focuses on the colour, clarity or transparency of the wine. Colour gives you an indication of the age of the wine. The general rule is that a white wine deepens in colour as it ages while a red wine loses colour and gets lighter as it ages. The clarity provides an indication of the quality of the winemaking technique and whether or not the bottle has been properly handled. If a wine has haziness, it is considered a fault.

Smell: You must rely on your nose to pick up aromas. Start off by asking yourself if you can smell any fruit aromas. Think of broad categories, such as citrus, orchard or tropical fruits in white wines. When tasting red wines, you might smell red fruits, blue fruits or black fruits. In order to answer this question, it is important that you build an aroma library in your brain. It sounds complicated but it is not. You must just remember different aromas you encounter, for example when you cut fruit and vegetables, spray your favourite perfume, cook with certain spices, smell flowers, etc. This will help you identify aromas in wines.

Taste: This is how the tongue perceives the wine. Your taste buds are located on the tongue in folds and ridges known as papillae, and also on the palate and on the wall of the throat. There are three types of taste papillae. They are classified according to their morphology: fungiform, foliate and circumvallate (Figure 1). Fungiform papillae occur primarily on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The circumvallate papillae develop along a V-shaped zone across the back of the tongue, whereas foliate papillae are restricted to two sets of parallel ridges between folds along the posterior margins of the tongue.

Diagram courtesy of Wine Folly. Scan the QR code or visit: https://bit.ly/43wd1Wf

Learn more! Scan the QR code or visit https://youtu.be/pJ_6QOa5Us to watch the video: “How To Taste Wine” Published by Wine Folly.

Diagram 1: The four basic wine tasting steps

Figure 1: The different types of papillae and their position on the tongue.

There are five basic tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami (a savoury taste). Figure 2 indicates where on your tongue you detect these five tastes. Wine can be classified according to these tastes but once you swallow the wine, the aromas may change because you are receiving them retro-nasally. This adds another interesting layer to your wine-tasting experience.

Think/conclude: The connoisseurs would advise you to develop a profile of the wine that you can store in your longterm memory, but ultimately the most important aspect is to just decide whether you like the wine or not!

These steps set the tone for tasting. In in a following issue, the main white wine varietals in South Africa will be discussed by referring to appearance, aromas and taste. Until then practice the four steps that were discussed because a day without wine is like a day without sunshine.

References

ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

The Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. It has a rich heritage of agricultural training and prides itself on being one of three higher education training institutes in South Africa that offers a three-year degree or diploma in Cellar Technology. AP

Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute. 2020. Wine evaluation, Aroma. Class notes. Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, Stellenbosch

Gaiser, T. 2010. Tim Gaiser, Master Sommelier. 22 November 2022. (www.timgaiser.com)

Puckette, M & Hammack, J. 2022. Winefolly. 22 November 2022. (winefolly.com/deep-dive/how-totaste-wine-develop-palate)

For more information, contact Brenton Maarman:

Figure 2: The five basic tastes.

Worldwide learning enabled Veterinary International Trade Facilitation launches

E-Learn courses to a wide audience

by Dr Francina Swart

competency of Certifying Veterinarians. VITF strives to ensure the competency of all officials by providing adequate training in the field of certification whilst empowering exporting partners with knowledge on the requirements and procedures for export of their products to ensure an efficient, streamlined and reliable export service.

TThe mission and responsibility of Veterinary International Trade Facilitation (VITF), as the sub programme of Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), is to ensure ethical certification to our international trade partners and build trustworthy trade relationships on a global scale. One of the primary pillars upon which ethical certification relies, is the

“The accessibility has now been extended to external users, which allows VITF to reach a national audience.”

Prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the world to reconsider its traditional approaches to communication and service delivery, VITF has worked to achieve access to the larger E-Learn platform of Stellenbosch University. E-Learn is an internet-based learning management system which, previously, had only been available to registered students of the university and employees of the WCDoA.

The accessibility has now been extended to external users, which allows VITF to reach a national audience. This audience includes colleagues from other provincial governments, the national government and exporting clients. VITF immediately utilised this opportunity to present essential training to certifying officials as well as exporting clients.

VITF has, since 2021, successfully presented the courses “Official Veterinary Management System at approved EU abattoirs” to Official Veterinarians stationed at approved ostrich abattoirs in the Western Cape, and “Animal Welfare Officer’s course for approved EU ostrich abattoirs” to employees and officials from approved EU ostrich abattoirs across South Africa. Both courses are prerequisites for the approval and export of ostrich meat products to the European Union.

Recently a course providing general practical guidance to all Certifying Veterinarians has been launched for the first time and attendees from various provinces are currently enrolled. Courses on the implementation of the electronic

based export system (ECOS) to both officials and clients across multiple provinces and various regulatory bodies are planned for the near future.

VITF is looking forward to utilising the tool of E-learning in the future on a national, and possibly international, level to the benefit of the entire export market of South Africa.

For more information, contact Dr Francina Swart:

AP

“VITF is looking forward to utilising the tool of E-learning in the future on a national, and possibly international level.”

ELSENBURG JOURNAL

Overview of the South African pork industry

Part 2: Production and domestic markets

Vanessa Barends-Jones

A note on factors that affect the skin nodule development in ostriches

T S Brand and W J Kritzinger

Economic contribution of the plum industry in South Africa

Asanda Molefe and Ayabonga Sibulali

Fresh plum sauce with tender roast pork fillet.

Overview of the South African pork industry Part 2: Production and domestic markets

Vanessa Barends-Jones1

1Macro and Resource Economics, WCDoA

This article is the second part of the Overview of the South African Pork Industry article and focuses more on production, as well as domestic markets. As mentioned in the previous article, South Africa (SA) has approximately 15% arable land (Robinson, 2017) available for the increasing food demand and for the country to supply quality protein to approximately 55 million people. The formal1 pork sector consists of 170 pork producers, whereas the informal2 pork sector has 208 312 households responsible for pork production (BFAP, 2020).

The total herd size for the formal sector is 1 450 713 compared to 893 262 for the informal sector (BFAP, 2020). SA is a net

importer of pork meat and the total value of pork meat imports remained below the R100 million value mark after 2016. SA is mainly exporting to the Southern African markets, but exports are showing a downward trend due to various disease outbreaks, droughts and high feed costs.

Figure 1 gives a summary of the production and consumption of pork meat in SA from July 2010/June 2011 to July 2019/June 2020. South African production amounted to 289 700 tonnes for the 2019/20 period, while pork consumption was about 304 000 tonnes of pork meat (fresh and processed) for the 2019/20 period (DALRRD, 2021). This shows a shortage of 14 300 in supply.

Figure 1: South African production and consumption of pork meat

1Formal sector refers to households or producers that are responsible for more than 50 pigs, (BFAP, 2020).

2The informal sector refers to households or producers that are responsible for pigs less than 50 (BFAP, 2020).

Source: DALRRD (2021)

Figure 2 gives a summary of the consumption per capita from 2010/11 to 2019/20. The 2013/14 period highlights the global meat price increase due to the high feed costs and extreme weather conditions experienced in some parts of SA (BFAP, 2014). The 2013/14 period also highlights a decrease in imported pork meat given the restrictions on raw pork meat being imported from countries that have the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus, and a weaker rand (BFAP, 2014). The decrease for the 2016/17 period is due to the severe drought conditions experienced in some parts of SA.

The last three financial years show that the per capita consumption of pork meat per kilogram has increased and is following an upward trend. It should also be noted here that due to the drought and the listeriosis outbreak in 2018, higher quantities of pork meat were being imported at lower prices (DAFF, 2019).

In SA, pork production contributes 2% to the total share of Gross Production Value, for the 2016 to 2018 period compared to poultry meat (15%), beef (13%), and other animal products (12%) (BFAP, 2020).

Figure 3 illustrates SA’s total livestock slaughter percentages from November 2019 until August 2021. The top livestock commodities being slaughtered in SA are sheep, followed by pork, cattle (beef), and goats. In SA sheep (meat) is slaughtered the most (43%), compared to pork (32%), cattle (25%) and goats (0.02%).

Figure 2: South African consumption per capita

Source: DALRRD (2021)

Source: RMLA (2021)

Figure 3: Total livestock slaughtered –November 2019 until August 2021

Total Goats 0,02%

Figure 4 compares SA with the world, focusing on the average consumption of different meat types. SA is seen as a small pork producer relative to global pork markets, accounting for 0.2% of total global pork production (BFAP, 2020; Rooney, 2020; Mugido, 2017) and contributing 2.45% to the primary agricultural sector (DAFF, 2019). The pork sector contributes 5% to the Gross Value of animal production (BFAP,

2020). South African pork is produced in all nine provinces, with Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal being the largest commercial producers, collectively producing 76% of total production (Lubinga et al, 2017; RMLA, 2021). Figure 5 gives a breakdown of slaughtered pigs per province. Gauteng is the leading province with the most pigs slaughtered between November 2019 and August 2021.

Source: BFAP (2020)

Source: RMLA (2021)

Figure 4: Average meat consumption – SA versus the world.

Figure 5: Pigs slaughtered per province, November 2019 – August 2021

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The Western Cape has the second-highest number of slaughters, followed by KwaZuluNatal and the Free State. Slaughter rates are higher in these provinces given that these three provinces have the main exit points for exports (harbours and airlines) and most of the infrastructure developed to enhance trade (DAFF, 2019). SA exports 4% of pork production and imports 11% for local consumption (BFAP, 2020).

The Western Cape contributes 20% to the total South African pork industry

(RMLA, 2021). Figure 6 gives a summary of the total pigs slaughtered in the Western Cape compared to the total for SA. The Western Cape had an average of 57 107 pigs slaughtered per month. The province’s slaughtered numbers follow the same fluctuating trend as the total South African numbers. This is also due to the sensitivity of the industry to diseases, a weakening rand, high feed costs, increasing labour costs, persisting drought, energy constraints and load shedding (DAFF, 2019).

Source: RMLA (2021)

Source: RMLA (2021)

Figure 6: Total pigs slaughtered in South Africa versus the Western Cape

Figure 7: Total livestock slaughtered in WC versus in SA, November 2019 – April 2021

Figure 7 shows the total livestock slaughtered in the Western Cape compared to the total within SA. The Western Cape contributes 5% to the total cattle slaughtered, 25% to the total sheep slaughtered, 54% to goats slaughtered, and 20% to the total pork slaughtered in SA. Current data indicates that the Western Cape (21%) is the second-largest producer of pork in SA, after Gauteng (41%).

To conclude, pork meat consumption per capita increased per kilogram per year. The

References

supply of pork meat in SA is 289 700 tonnes compared to a demand of 304 000 tonnes, so the difference in demand is imported.

The informal pork market is a valuable contributor to the pork industry, but the contribution has not been quantified. Studies are needed to capture the informal market share of the pork industry in all provinces as its share should not be underestimated. Such studies are also of utmost importance for biosecurity and food safety reasons. AP

BFAP. (2014). BFAP Baseline - Agricultural Outlook 2014 - 2023. Pretoria: BFAP.

BFAP. (2020). Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan - Market-led inclusive agriculture transformation. Pretoria: BFAP.

DAFF. (2019). A profile of the South African Pork Market Value Chain. Pretoria: DAFF.

DALRRD. (2021). African swine fever outbreak and surveillance update report. Pretoria: DALRRD.

Lubinga, M. H., Ngqangweni, S., Mazibuko, N., Balarane, A., & Nyhodo, B. (2017). How has consumer education influenced pork consumption in South Africa? Instrumental variable regression analysis. International Journal of Applied Business and Economic Research, 551 -561.

Mugido, W. (2017). The South African pork market. Pretoria: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Retrieved from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/ downloadreportbyfilename?filename=The%20South%20African%20pork%20market%20_Pretoria_ South%20Africa%20-%20Republic%20of_9-5-2017.pdf

RMLA. (2021). Red meat levy admin – 4th levy period. Retrieved from Red Meat Levy Admin: http://levyadmin.co.za/statistics/

Robinson, J. (2017). The Pig Industry in South Africa. Retrieved from South Africa.co.za: https://southafrica.co.za/pig-industry-south-africa.html

Rooney, C. (2020). Easy meat: The case of the pork industry in South Africa. Retrieved from Brookings. edu: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/africa-in-focus/2020/09/17/easy-meat-the-case-of-the-porkindustry-in-south-africa/

For more information, contact Vanessa Barends-Jones:

ELSENBURG JOURNAL

A note on factors that affect the skin nodule development in ostriches+

T S Brand1,2 and W J Kritzinger2,3

1 Directorate Animal Sciences, Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg 7607

2Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Elsenburg 7607

3Animal Scientist, Bex Group (Pty) Ltd, 29 Electron Road, Technopark, Stellenbosch, 7600

+This note is an extract from the thesis by W J Kritzinger, “Allometric description of ostrich (Struthio camelus) growth and development”, 2004. MSc-study. University (Study leaders: T S Brand, LC Hoffman and F D Mellett)

Introduction

Nodules are the result of feather follicles on the skin and make it unique both in appearance and to the touch. Nodules are also the factor that distinguishes ostrich leather from competitors. Although no formal standards are available, the size, shape and distribution of these nodules are expected to have an effect on the marketability of the leather product (Cloete et al., 2004). Cloete et al. (2004) reported that age has an effect on some nodule traits in birds ranging from 5 to 14 months of age. Mellett et al. (1996) reported an increase in nodule size with age and stated that the optimum size is only achieved at 14 to 16 months of age. Van Schalkwyk et al. (2001) showed that both body weight and age have an influence on nodule size. They also reported that an acceptable nodule size could be obtained at around 11 months of age. Swart (1981 as cited by Van Schalkwyk, 2008) stated that “green” body feathers or blood feathers cause inferior nodules and nodule shape is determined by the stage of feather growth at slaughter. Swart (1981) investigated the effect of forced feather removal on nodule development and showed that nodule development may be correlated with feather development.

Brand et al. (2018) published a detailed description of the skin and feather development in ostriches.

The correlation coefficients between the explanatory variables affecting the growth and development of nodules found by Kritzinger (2011) are given in Table 1.

In order to understand the correlations among the explanatory variables, a principal component factor analysis was done. Age, live weight, EBPW (empty body protein weight), wing feather shaft diameter, skin size, skin weight and total feather weight were transformed to the natural logarithmic form. All the explanatory variables except wing feather shaft diameter were co-linear and loaded onto the first factor (Table 2). Only two factors were identified (Table 2). The second factor loads only on the wing feather shaft diameter. A multiple linear regression model with independent variables, live weight and wing feather shaft diameter was firstly constructed (explaining 93% variation in nodule size) and then improved with response surface regression to include a quadratic term, thus yielding the equation:

y = 2.63 + 0.561x - 0.00111 x 2 + 0.133 z (R 2 = 0.93), where y = nodule size (mm), x = live weight (kg) and

z = wing feather shaft diameter (mm)

All correlations are significant at p < 0.05

+Wing feather shaft diameter

Significant contributions for each factor are in bold type.

A multiple linear regression model with independent variables, age and wing feather shaft diameter was also constructed (explaining 88 % variation) and yielded the following equation:

Table 1: Correlation coefficients (r) between the explanatory variables and nodule size

Table 2: Individual factor loadings of the independent variables affecting nodule size as determined by the factor analysis

Source: (Kritzinger, 2004)

Source: (Kritzinger, 2004)

The study by Kritzinger (2011), identified several factors that affect nodule development on ostrich skins. The current model allows the accurate prediction of nodule size of ostrich skin up to an age of 287 days when using body weight and wing shaft diameter (R2 = 0.93%) or age and wing feather shaft diameter (R2 = 88%). AP

Learn more!

References

Brand, T S, Kritzinger J, Van der Merwe, D A, Muller A, Hoffman C and Niemann, G J., 2018. Feather and skin development of ostriches (Struthio camelus). Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, Vol 89 pg. 1556. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v89i0.1556

Cloete, S. W. P., van Schalkwyk, S. J., Hoffman, L. C., and Meyer, A., 2004. Effect of age on leather and skin traits of slaughter ostriches. South African Journal of Animal Science, 34 (2), pp. 80-86.

Kritzinger, W J., 2011. Allometric description of ostrich growth and development. MSc thesis. Stellenbosch University. (Study leaders: T S Brand, LC Hoffman and F D Mellett)

Mellett, F. D., Fisher, P., and Böhme, H. M., 1996. Grading of ostrich skins. Proc. Europ. Ostrich Conf., November, Henglo, The Netherlands, European Ostrich Association, Banbury.

Swart, D., 1981. Die evaluering van die ekonomiese waarde van die vel, vleis en vere op die lewendige slagvolstruis. Ongepubliseerde verslag, Departement van Landbou en Visserye, Suid-Afrika.

Van Schalkwyk, S. J., 2008. Factors affecting ostrich leather traits. Ph.D. Thesis, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Van Schalkwyk, S. J., Cloete, S. W. P., Brand, T. S., & Hoffman, L. C., 2001. Die implikasie van ’n jonger of ouer slagstadium. Volstruisboeredag, Oudtshoorn Proefplaas, 1 Augustus 2001.

For more information, contact Prof Tertius Brand: tertius.brand@westerncape.gov.za

Image courtesy of SAOL.

Economic contribution of the plum industry in South Africa

Asanda Molefe1 and Ayabonga Sibulali1

1Economic Services, Western Cape Department of Agriculture

Introduction

Plum fruit is a deciduous stone fruit and is commonly produced in China and Romania. The favourable climatic conditions for producing plum fruits are dry summers, with cool and wet winters. Generally, plums are consumed fresh and in small quantities for the preparation of beverages, jam, canning or dried fruit, i.e., sought after for agroprocessing industry. Plum fruit has become more popular over the years due to the transition to healthy diets that also include varieties of fruits and vegetables (Wangchu, Theja, & Debashis, 2020).

The global consumption of plums is expected to continue growing as the global demand for agricultural products increases and consumers shift from staple foods to more fruits, vegetables and proteins in their daily diets (Wangchu et al., 2020; Sottile, Caltagirone et al., 2020).

Unfavourable climatic conditions pose a challenge in plum production. Recently Norway in Europe was hit by snow leading to 80% loss of their harvest, whilst the produce from Belgium and Italy was smaller due to frost damage (FarmingPortal, 2020). In South Africa the plum industry was also affected negatively by the recent drought in the Western Cape Province (where plums are predominantly produced) resulting in a 12% decline in production between 2017 and 2020. Furthermore, heatwaves in 2019 worsened the situation and there was a drastic decline in plum production in 2020 (Smit & Cloete, 2021; Phaleng & Tshitiza, 2019).

Plums are high-value products that

contribute to the growth of agriculture supporting the National Development Plan (NDP) through economic growth and employment (NDP, 2012). The Western Cape Province as a major player in the horticultural sector, has the potential to scale the production of plums in response to market demand. This article presents an overview of the performance of this industry in South Africa, starting with major players globally, domestic production and key trade partners, and finally its contribution to the economy and employment. In addition, the competitiveness of South Africa’s plum industry using Relative Trade Index receives attention.

Production performance of the SA plum industry

Plum fruit is produced in different parts of the country, however, the Western Cape remains the dominating region due to its favourable climatic and weather conditions. The total area under plum production in South Africa is 5 348 hectares (Hortgro, 2021). The Western Cape accounted for over 98% (5 413ha) of this area under plums.

In 2021, the area under production of plums declined by 103 hectares from 2020. In 2021, a total volume of 101 969 tons of plums was produced, with over 50% increase in production compared to 2020 as shown in Figure 1 (on next page). Of the total plum production in 2021, a share of 80% was meant for the export market, while 20% was absorbed by the domestic market and processing industry.

South Africa’s most planted plum cultivars are Angeleno, Laetitia, Ruby Sun, African delight, Fortune, Ruby Star and Songold (Hortgro, 2021). Between the 2020 and 2021 seasons, plum production became economically unviable as the producers experienced financial losses driven by increases in cost of production inputs (Kriel, 2022). The average total production cost currently stands at R309 290/ha relative to the average total production cost in 2014, which was R181 670/ha. Further, the average net farm income of plum has declined from R63 601/ha in 2014 to R8 714/ha in 2021 (Kriel, 2022).

In 2020, logistical issues, including the shortages of shipping containers and backlogs at the seaports, led to a price drop as the plum fruit arrived simultaneously in global markets. Worryingly, over the past five years farmers have been reluctant to invest in further development and expanding their markets (CBI, 2021).

The South African plum industry contributes significantly to employment. In 2021, the industry employed 6 051 people, whilst the Western Cape is believed to have employed more than 95% of the total number as the dominating area of plum production (Hortgro, 2021).

Table 1 shows the top 10 major exporters and importers of plums. In 2021, the top exporters in volume terms were Chile (134 656 tons), Spain (116 298 tons) and South Africa (81 958 tons) (ITC, 2022). As indicated in Table 1, South Africa ranks third among the top exporters with an annual compound growth rate of 11.08% in the past five years (2016-2021). Moreover, South Africa’s plum industry showed significant year-on-year growth both in value (66.9%) and volume terms (71%).

South Africa’s plum industry market performance

The South African plum fruit industry is export-oriented, with a share of 80% of the product going to the international markets yearly.

Figure 2 shows South Africa’s and the Western Cape’s the plum export in value terms and the relative share of the Western Cape to national plum exports for the past twenty years. The Western Cape plum export share trend followed that of the country, as most plums are from the Western Cape.

Figure 1: SA Plum production in tons

Source: DALRRD (2021)

Major world players in the plum industry

Figure 2: : South African and Western Cape plum value exports

Table 1: Global exporters and importers of plums

Source: Quantec (2022)

Source: ITC 2022

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The European Union is the major importer of South African plums (69% of the total exports in 2021). Over the past five years the Netherlands, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates were the top three countries importing plum fruit from South Africa, with a total volume share of 75%. In 2021, the Netherlands imported about 45% of South Africa’s plums in volume terms (see Figure 3) and this indicates a five-year growth of 8.79%. South Africa is a counter-seasonal supplier of plums to these countries (CBI, 2021). Figure 3 shows the top 10 importers of South Africa’s plums in 2021.

The South African plum industry has grown significantly in response to the ever-increasing domestic and international demand for plums. Of the total 101 969 tons of plum fruit produced, 21 169 (20%) tons are for domestic markets and 81 958 (80%) tons are exported. When we are looking at the growth rate of 5 years (from 2016 to 2021), both the domestic market (fresh

plums) and international exports grew by 2.2% and 6.5%, respectively. In the case of the domestic processing industry, there was a growth of 9.87%. The amount of plums distributed to processing grew by 52% in 2019 and 2020 season as a result of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on the movement of goods. In 2021, the share to the processing plum industry declined to 858 tons (-74% than the previous year).

The competitive performance of the SA plum industry

To measure the competitive performance of the South Africa’s plum industry, a Relative Trade index (RTA) was employed. The RTA measures competitiveness under real-world conditions, such as uneven economic playing fields, distorted economies and varying trade regimes. A positive RTA value shows that the product is competitive, whilst a negative RTA shows lack of competitiveness and 0 shows marginal competitiveness.

Source: ITC (2022)

Figure 3: Top 10 importers of South African plums

South Africa’s plums have been highly competitive at the international market stage from 2010 to 2021 as represented in the Figure 4. The South African plum industry recorded the highest RTA value of 25.47 in 2014 and has been declining ever since reaching 12.35 in 2020 before bouncing back to 18.62 in 2021.The quality of South Africa’s plum fruit, and the weakening of the Rand against other currencies have been the major contributors to the positive performance of the plum industry.

Concluding remarks and recommendations

There has been an expansion in global plum production due to increasing demand. Chile, Spain and South Africa were the top exporters in 2021. Globally China has remained as the top producer of plums over the past five years. Climatic and weather conditions negatively impacted the global plum industry, including of South Africa, where major areas of production were facing droughts and heatwaves. The Netherlands (45%), United Kingdom (18%) and United Arab Emirates (12%) remained the major importers of plums from South

Africa. More than 60% of the plums were imported by the European Union. This carries a risk and suggests a need for new markets and improving access to those markets. The plum industry is important in the South African economy both in terms of foreign earnings through exports, employment creation and investments. AP

Learn more!

South Africa’s most planted plum cultivars are Angeleno, Laetitia, Ruby Sun, African delight, Fortune, Ruby Star and Songold (Hortgro, 2021). Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3q8EZcb to read more about it.

Figure 4: South African RTA values and South African plum share

Source: ITC, 2022

Angeleno plum.

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References

CBI. (2021). The European market potential for fresh plums and other stone fruit. CBI Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chisoro-Dube, S., & Mondliwa, P. (2019). South Africa is missing out on fresh fruit export growth. What it needs to do. The Conversation

DAFF, D. (2015). A Profile of The South African Plum Market Value Chain.

FAO. (2009). Global agriculture towards 2050. Rome: FAO.

FarmingPortal. (2020). Overview of global plum market. Farming Portal

Hortgro. (2021). Key Deciduous Fruit Statistics. Hortgro.

ITC. (2022). Trade statistics for international; business development. ITS Trade Map.

Kriel, G. (2022). Logistics challenges accelerate plum industry fall. Farmer’s Weekly

NDP. (2012). Agricultural Growth and Employment.

Phaleng , L., & Tshitiza, O. (2019). South Africa Fruit Trade Flow. NAMC.

Smit, P. A., & Cloete, K. (2021). Exploring plum profitability through modelling to aid decision making. Hortgro.

Sottile, F., Caltagirone, C., Giacalone, G., Peano, C., & Barone, E. (2020). Unlocking plum genetic potential: Where are we at? Horticulturae

Wangchu, L., Theja, M., & Debashis, M. (2020). Temperate fruits, production, processing & marketing. Research Gate

WCDoA. (2017). Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

For more information, contact Asanda Molefe: or Ayabonga Sibulali:

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