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Congress 2022
The Grain SA Congress was presented on 2 and 3 March 2022. A total number of 230 delegates
registered to attend Congress in person.
The theme for Congress was responsibility in change.
The key focus area of Congress was on the escalating input costs that have a material impact on
sustainable grain and oilseeds production in South Africa.
Two panel discussions were presented, namely:
The first panel, with the CEO, Pieter Taljaard, as facilitator, discussed research, development
and innovation with regard to crop protection and agrochemicals in the seed environment.
Participants in this panel discussion were Jozeph du Plessis (Executive member from Region 2),
Frank Rothweiler, global corn strategy and portfolio lead, EMA and APAC from Bayer (Pty) Ltd,
Steve Reno, president, Global Seed Business Platform from Corteva Agri-science, and
Mr Dipepeneng Serage on behalf of the DALRRD.
The second panel discussion focused on rising fertiliser prices. Corné Louw, applied economics and
member services lead, facilitated the panel discussion. Participants in the panel were André Kirsten,
Executive member from Region 26, Louis Strydom, marketing director from Omnia Fertiliser,
Johannes Louw, vice-president for planning and optimisation from Sasol, Mrs Nkomisa Mxhalisa,
chief director for agro processing from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC),
and Mr Kgampi Bapela, head of agro processing and agriculture from the Industrial Development
Corporation (IDC).
The details of the discussions and resolutions passed are contained in the minutes of Congress
and are also available on the Grain SA website.
Congress also concluded statutory requirements, including the approval of financial statements,
considering and approving the levy budget as well as the voluntary levy applicable to each commo-
dity, approval of minutes and the appointment of auditors.
On Day two of Congress, delegates partici-
pated in commodity breakaway work ses-
sions for maize, winter cereals, sunflower,
sorghum, soybeans and groundnuts.
Resolutions adopted at these breakaway
sessions were referred to the various
working groups of the Executive to action
and to implement.
Congress was concluded with a pres-
entation by Dr. Morné Mostert on future
scenario planning.
After each work session, ample time
was afforded to delegates for questions
and answers.
RECOGNITION FOR EXCELLENCE
Recognition was given to various persons for their lifelong dedication and service to agriculture.
Dr. John Purchase, former CEO of Agbiz, Nico Hawkins, former CEO of SAGIS, and Ernst Pelser,
former CEO of SSK, received awards for dedicated service.
The Inspiration Award was awarded to Leon du Plessis, administrator of the Maize Trust and various
other industry bodies, for his services to the grain industry.
Recognition was also given to Jannie de Villiers, former CEO of Grain SA. It was announced that the
Inspiration Award would be handed to Jannie during the function for the Grain Producer of the Year
that was scheduled to take place in October 2022.
COMPANY SECRETARIAT