Grain SA Annual Report 2022

NAMPO (PTY) LTD

NAMPO (Pty) Ltd was activated as an independent entity so that Grain SA can continue its

activities as a non-profit organisation, as determined by its constitution, and to comply with the

necessary income-tax regulations. All commercial projects linked to the NAMPO brand will in

future fall under this flag.

Grain SA’s options to create alternative sources of income are limited and COVID proved that the

income derived from NAMPO is subject to certain risks. Consequently, the expansion of the brand

was proposed as a long-term vision to counter such risks and to capitalise further on these events.

The organisation’s primary focus point, namely the protection and promotion of profitable local

grain and oilseeds production, will benefit from additional funds.

PHAHAMA GRAIN PHAKAMA NPC

The Phahama Grain Phakama NPC was launched successfully with its activities to support new entrants

to the primary grain production industry on their way to full commercial status. The challenge lies in

establishing these grain producers, by coordinating available development funding, within a certain

period of time as profitable and sustainable commercial grain producers and thus to function

independently of financial support.

Such entrance to the industry is essential to our country’s continued food security and there is

also reliance on the mentorship of established commercial producers. Several successes in this

regard have already been achieved and the aim is to communicate these more effectively.

STAFF

Grain SA staff participated anonymously in a climate survey to establish employee satisfaction within

the organisation. It was encouraging that the positive feedback received indicated that the organisa-

tion has a happy workforce in spite of the sometimes challenging working conditions to which the

team were subjected. This points to motivated, competent and dedicated individuals that will keep on

adding value for members in future despite volatile conditions.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

The new regional communication strategy was implemented successful-

ly and after a break of two years we could also once again present the

Day of Celebration and the ever popular Grain Producer of the Year

awards evening. We also greatly appreciate the support of Toyota

South Africa with the provision of two Toyota Hilux bakkies for use

by Grain SA’s marketers in the field and of a Toyota Fortuner for

use by Pretoria office staff for official visits.

SA GRAAN/GRAIN MAGAZINE

As a key factor in Grain SA’s communication network,

SA Graan/Grain

once again maintained a high standard in its capacity as a specialist

publication and official voice of the organisation.

Focus areas for the future

It is important for Grain SA to promote its long-term vision on the basis of in-

novative practices in order to prevent stagnation in a complex local and international

agricultural environment. The employment of state-of-the art information technology to the benefit of

our members’ sustainable and profitable grain production plays a core role here.

Although this is not cheap, technology is one of the only drivers that is deflationary and can therefore

reduce costs per unit. The industry cannot afford to lose momentum and influence by waiting until it

is forced to make essential changes just because a system is still functional at present. It is therefore

necessary to think like a visionary by identifying and implementing adjustments to systems with a

view to future effectiveness. The best time to make changes is when the existing product still works,

but is starting to show limitations.

An example is the grain grading system, which has been used since the grain industry was de-

regulated, and where several problems have arisen about which we are still negotiating to reach

consensus. In this regard we will also have to move away from visual grading and replace it with

a technology-driven process in order to introduce consistent grading. A further advantage is that

technology will also make it possible in the near future to identify a genetic distinction in crops like

soybeans and barley.

REPORT BY THE CEO

GRAIN SA WANTS

PROMOTE ITS

long - term vision

ON THE BASIS

PRACTICES

innovative