18 Grain SA member services Strategic focus areas regarding applied economics and member services: Sustainable, profitable production for Grain SA members. Promotion of transparent market, input and production information. Monitoring of input industry (price, quality and availability). Expansion and development of markets. Influencing of grain policy environment. Input environment: Ensuring reliable access to high-quality inputs at transparent and competitive prices. Market environment: Creating and maintaining a free, fair and competitive grain market environment. Production environment: Empowering an environment for optimum productivity in a profitable and sustainable manner. Highlights Grain SA launch of ‘Pest Control Operator’ (PCO) course exclusively for Grain SA members. SAGIS publication of wheat import and export intentions High input costs exert pressure on margins. Fertiliser monitoring project – results improve over time, lime quality raises concern. Approval of new soybean technology and registration of quite a number of new cultivars as a result of breeding and technology levy; new application for three years was approved. Working groups started for implementing the Agricultural and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP). Negotiations with respect to new diesel rebate system, as well as handling of interpretations (audits) of legislation – specifically with reference to keeping logbooks. Diesel automatisation Working group established and project launched in collaboration with the SARS and other industry role-players. Final year of pilot project for the implementation of alternative calculation method of soybean location differential. Grading of maize published in Government Gazette – National Chamber of Milling taking Minister of Agriculture, Grain SA and SAGRA to court. Grain SA also assisted its members with disputes. Sustained communication regarding fundamental market information. Strong representation in industry forums. Leaf Services still kept out of industry – Minister revoked Leaf Services as assignee. SAWCIA statutory research levy for wheat. NBTs – Government still deems all NBTs to be GMOs. Plant Breeders’ Rights Act and farmers’ privilege under threat. Wheat import tariff. Cultivar release norms, relaxation and white wheat. Growth in soybean industry. Actions focused on environment conducive for production Grain intelligence, economics and member services
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