121 The annual regional meetings not only provide an opportunity for producers to highlight problems and challenges, but also for Grain SA to provide feedback on various developments in the industry over the past year such as the spread of grain diseases, drone irrigation regulations, the positive effects of the SACTA levies as well as the latest efforts to renovate railways and ports. In addition, good news could be shared regarding Nexus Components and Corporate Guarantee’s member benefits to Grain SA members which are aimed at easing the pressure on the producer’s pocket. During the countrywide visits, Grain SA also visited the developing producers of the Phahama Grain Phakama Programme (PGP). They have their own unique set of challenges. Questions from the regions regarding short-term and crop insurance as well as the role of government in PGP were answered. The need to look at second-hand equipment that is more affordable emerged from the PGP visits. It was also asked how the information conveyed by economists could be utilised at farm level. After the regional meetings, Grain SA held a successful Congress where further questions could be answered and mandates were given to the leadership and staff of the organisation. Here, producers also had the opportunity to speak directly to the Minister of Agriculture and to present their respective challenges to him. With producers’ love for farming and a passion for agriculture, Grain SA continues to promote and fight for its members’ cause, both behind the scenes and at farm level, so that grain producers can have a bright and prosperous future in South Africa. Regional meetings create the opportunity for both Grain SA and producers who are members of the organisation to be informed about the most important and urgent bottlenecks in the industry. In this way, Grain SA ensures that effective action can be taken on behalf of members. REGIONAL MEETINGS 2024/2025
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