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5
January 2017
Recovery year
w
hen I think of 2017, the word ‘recovery year’ in-
variably comes to mind. For me there is an emo-
tional sense of softness associated with the word
‘recovery’ – something to do with recuperating
and/or recovering to a situation that was better
previously. When in my heart I think of our coun-
try and its people, it is with a surge of so many sincere wishes for
recovery.
Firstly, of course, it is about recovery for agriculture after such a
devastating drought: Recovery of dam levels and underground wa-
ter resources; financial recovery for the large number of producers
who had no source of income during the past season; recovery of
herds culled to create cash flow.
I also think of grandmother’s tin on the buffet – the one with small
savings for an emergency that most likely also have to be refilled
this year. We share in the producers in the Swartland area’s
gratitude that they once again could harvest a proper crop – on the
way to recovery!
However, I cannot but have sincere wishes in my heart for our
country. Won’t it be wonderful if we, at the end of 2017, can attest
that relations between the people of our country have recovered?
Less strikes and upheaval and greater tolerance for one another’s
opinions and perceptions. More respect for other people and their
property or right to education.
With grain production, we know that one should leave a field
fallow for a year to recover. How are we in this country going to
get our people, who are forever at each others’ throats, to rest so
that they can recover? It almost seems impossible to dream about
it. Somewhere during 2017 I myself will need some rest to improve
my relationships with people and to rejuvenate my capacity for
tolerance. It remains a big challenge.
A recovery year allows us to once again find our true north in life
and to make adjustments so that we are firmly on course
again. In our planning at Grain SA we accept that 2017 will be a trail
blazing year.
Through all the variables and commotions, we are going to have
to search for a new road to sustainable production. It seems that
politics in our country – and even in the rest of the world – will have
an increasing impact on agriculture.
The positive reports regarding growth in Africa continue to roll
in and it is as if the numerous consultants foresee no obstacles.
Urbanisation in this part of the world is the most rapid and that
leads to greater dependence on commercial agriculture.
The fact that Africa is so far behind with technology, creates great
opportunities for economic growth – especially with a workforce
which by 2034 will be larger than that of India or China. What a
prospect! All of these prospects create new opportunities for growth
and expansion. Political and economic stability will determine
whether these prospects will one day realise – given that this holds
the key to sustainability.
Of all the strategic resolutions taken by Grain SA over the past
few years, I am most excited about the decision regarding re-
search and what the researchers will bring to the table. The new
initiatives in the research field hold great promise. It would benefit
you to read a proper research paper from beginning to end once
again – just to ensure that you do not possibly miss that small piece
of information that could save you some rands.
With this I sincerely wish you everything of the best for 2017.