DAFFOfficial newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

January 2015

Help us stop hunger now

General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on his food parcel tour took time to engage with both young and old community members of Diepsloot.

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Editor Piwe Mbiko (012) 319 6936 piwem@daff.gov.zaReporters Thuli Lehong (012) 319 7929 nokuthulale@daff.gov.za Samuel Kgatla (012) 319 7181 samuelk@daff.gov.za Musa Khumalo (012) 319 6695 musak@daff.gov.za Innocent Mhlanga (012) 319 7827 innocentm@daff.gov.za Rony Moremi (012) 319 6622 rincertm@daff.gov.za Jamela Nkanyane (012) 319 6903 jamelan@daff.gov.za Mercia Smith (012) 319 6666 mercias@daff.gov.zaInterns Hellen Phushela (012) 319 7819 mmamotsisip@daff.gov.za Dineo Makgato (012) 319 6958 dineomak@daff.gov.zaSubeditor Lerato Mofokeng (012) 319 7927 leratomof@daff.gov.zaDistribution Pam Sutherland (012) 319 7104 pamsu@daff.gov.za Website: www.daff.gov.za

DAFFnews is the newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry

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One household, one food garden

The main event of the day was the Imbizo, and in true Imbizo nature, the people had the opportunity to raise their grievances with the Deputy Minister.

DAFF was able to identify 2 000 vulnerable households in need of food.

At the Methodist Church vegetable garden, General Bheki Cele planted vegetables.

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The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries General Bheki Cele in furthering the “Help us stop hunger now” campaign, launched the Food and Nutrition Security Imbizo in Diepsloot Gauteng on Tuesday, 02 December 2014.

In partnership with the Department of Social Development, City of Johannes-burg and the Gauteng Department of Ag-riculture and Rural Development, DAFF was able to identify 2 000 vulnerable households in need of food. The Deputy Minister started his tour by handing over food parcels to 20 households in ward 113 Diepsloot. He then ended his tour at a vegetable garden at the Methodist Church where he showed off his spinach seedling planting skills.

At the Methodist Church vegetable gar-den he was addressed by the Chairperson of the newly formed Agriforum—Di-epsloot, Mr Aggripa Thabede. Thabede explained to the Deputy Minister that the forum was formed last year September for the purpose of supporting emerging farmers in the area, he then also men-tioned the various challenges they face.

‘‘The Agriforum was established to bring together scattered emerging farm-ers to one common place to exchange skills and knowledge of farming and support each another. The challenges we commonly face are capacity building, skills development and the availability of water. So far in the forum’s short period, we have been successfully gaining more members, however there is still room for more,’’ said Thabede.

Deputy Director-General: Food Se-curity and Agrarian Reform, Mr Joe Kgobokoe, on behalf of the department and through the support of the Deputy Minister, committed himself to assist with the challenges facing Mr Thabede and the forum.

‘‘One household, one food garden, this is one of the policies DAFF has put in place to combat hunger, poverty and

food insecurity. Driven by this outcome of the depart-

ment, we will do all that we can to assist in capacity building, skills development and try to work with other departments in order to provide water to the area,’’ said DDG Kgobokoe.

The Deputy Minister and his delegates then headed to the main event where the Imbizo was being held, and in true Imbizo nature, the people had the opportunity to raise their grievances with the Deputy Minister.

The Deputy Minister started his keynote address by highlighting the importance of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

‘‘It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our women and children and

Help us stop hunger now

By Musa Khumalo

also provide a food-secure environment for all. That is why the department’s man-date is to inform communities that without a food garden, you will go hungry, so it is important to use any available space whether it be in your backyard or some-where off in the area to plant vegetables,” said Deputy Minister Cele.

The event was a successes; symbolis-ing the government’s efforts of working together with communities and speak-ing to DAFF’s mandate of helping and supporting emerging farmers towards a better life for all.

In furthering this campaign, the Food and Nutrition Security marathon will extend to KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape to ensure that the priorities of the department are supported and fulfilled.

General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries launching the Food and Nutrition Security Imbizo in Diepsloot.

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The affable Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana encouraged communities at Blaawbosch in Newcastle to consider growing their own food in their back-yard gardens as part of food security in the country. He was responding to some questions and concerns raised during a glittering Food Security and Nutrition Imbizo in the area in Decem-ber last year.

DAFF, through the organised Imbizo aims to address the issues that communi-ties have in relation to food security and nutrition and promote the “One family, one garden” campaign in the communities.

The Minister, who was accompanied by his hard-working Deputy Minister, Gen-eral Bheki Cele, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Cyril Xaba, DAFF Director-General, Prof .Edith Vries, Deputy Director-General for Food Security and Agrarian Reform, Joe Kgobokoe, Amajuba District Mayor Jabulile Khumalo and others, reiterated that people must learn to plant their own food to fight off hunger. He mentioned all in his response during the second part of the Imbizo, after visiting vulnerable households.

“If you do not plant your own food, then you will not have food. The food from your garden is fresh compared to that sold in the shops. Farming must be our priority. Women must see how they can meet and approach schools so that they can use land for agriculture. Land and rain are available and people must use the opportunity. It is fun and enlightening to grow food in your own home. Our government encourages people to eat food from their own gardens and I plead with our extension officers to go to backyard gardens to help our people. Agriculture should continue to be a sub-ject at schools, so that children continue to understand the importance of farming. Food security is important because people must eat all important meals such break-fast, lunch and supper. Continue farming and we shall continue to support you,

By Samuel Kgatla

Minister encourages communities to grow their own food

“concluded Minister Zokwana.Some of the challenges facing commu-

nities in the area include among others unavailability of tractors when needed, plea for assistance with the planting of drought-resistant maize, insufficient water,

garden implements assistance. The com-munities also requested a formulation of an agricultural team to look after farming in the area. Both the Minister and Deputy Minister were excited to hear that and promised to work on it.

Mr Senzeni Zokwana, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries explaining to Cyril Xaba, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in KZN and General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries about how fertile is the soil of Blaawbosch.

Mr Cyril Xaba, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in KZN, General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister, Mr Senzeni Zokwana, Minister and Reuben Molelekoa, Councillor for Ward 12 in the Newcastle Municipality planting fruit trees.

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Minister encourages communities to grow their own food

The lives of KwaZulu-Natal’s Jakkalas households will change for good be-cause they will have more food going forward. This comes after a successful visit by Mr Senzeni Zokwana, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, (DAFF) General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister of DAFF, Mr Cyril Xaba, MEC of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and others as part of Food Security and Nutrition Imbizo held at Blaawbosch in Newcastle at the end of last year.The principals launched backyard gar-dens, handed over apricot, peach and lemon seedlings and donated seeds and farming implements such as forks, rakes, spades and irrigation jugs. Under the theme “Through food security, job creation and economic growth, we move South Africa forward,” the department is trying to encourage communities to plant their own food. This also opens doors for communities to step up to the plate and unleash their potential to generate income, while consuming healthy food from their own gardens.

Many vulnerable households have bene-fited through this launch because they were given the opportunity to explore agriculture as a sustainable livelihood option. A similar event took place recently in Diepsloot and many households also benefited. One of the beneficiaries, Ms Nomalanga Zwane, could not hide her excitement and thanked the department for choosing her as one of the beneficiaries. Zwane, born in 1936 and living with her three children (Godfrey, Siyabonga and Senzele) said her family is surviving on the government pension fund. “We are trying to look after ourselves and what the department did is awesome. As you can see, I like farming but I am also ageing at the same time. Godfrey is one who assists me to plant vegetables in my garden. I will remember the department with these fruit seedlings and seeds you have given to me and God bless you,” concluded an elated Zwane.

Minister Zokwana said the department, wants to help people grow fruit and veg-

DAFF makes a difference on KZN households

etables to eat. Furthermore, he mentioned that the department is giving households garden implements, seeds and fruit seed-lings to ensure that people become happy when they see their backyard gardens green and benefit from them by eating

General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister, Mr Senzeni Zokwana, Mr Cyril Xaba, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in KZN and Cllr Jabulile Khumalo, Amajuba District Municipality Mayor, handing over garden tools to Ms Nomalanga Zwane.

healthy fresh food. He urged the commu-nity to take advantage of planting beans and promised that they will work with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to address challenges in the province.

Mr Senzeni Zokwana, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries listening to Clement Maqabatha and his wife Busisiwe Vilakazi during the planting of backyard vegetable gardens in Newcastle.

By Samuel Kgatla

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Some of the agricultural industries in South Africa, in poorer provinces, still require access to a range of veterinary services to support livestock produc-tion and trade in livestock, economic growth, border rural development goals of the government and prevent zoonotic diseases; this is adversely affected by the unavailability of ac-cessible and affordable veterinary services. It has been on record that according to Stats SA 2010/11 reports, the income from animal products has accounted for about 48% of the gross income of R131,6 billion from the total agricultural sector.

Prevention of animal diseases is the first step in ensuring the success of PAHC, which is aimed at reducing livestock losses, improving human and animal health through diagnosis, treatment, manage-ment and prevention of animal diseases, veterinary extension service, and provision

Focus on primary animal health care

By Innocent Mhlanga

of ongoing support to farmers and com-munities at large.

This will enhance and improve trade re-sults and the production capacity of animal production, as well as public health and

consumer food security.In order to overcome the challenges of

the shortage of veterinarians in the coun-try, the government decided to start and fund a project on Primary Animal Health Care (PAHC) and Compulsory Com-munity Services (CCS) for newly qualified veterinarians to focus on provincial rural animal health care.

In order to speed up the government efforts to deliver and speed up services to communities in different districts in the province, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s veterinary services dedicated their time to embark on a neutering and spaying campaign in Douglas, Kimberley in the Northern Cape and showcase the mobile veterinary truck(s) that DAFF is donating to various provinces.

Dr Macdonald Gayakaya said the aim

Some of the poorer provinces require access to a range of veterinary services to support livestock production

to p 6

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of this campaign is to conduct spaying (ovarian-hysterectomy), which is the re-moval of reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes) on a female animal and neutering, which is a surgical removal of the reproductive glands (testes of the male animal) and to attend to any form of disease and injuries of animals, mainly dogs and cats. According to Dr Gayakaya, this is a very good project that DAFF and the provincial departments have embarked on because its impact is there for everyone to see and it helps communities to achieve responsible pet ownership, dog bite prevention and steri-lisation which are the main pillars of the entire project, Dr said.

In males, neutering reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression, inappropriate urination (spraying) and other undesirable male behaviour while in females, spaying decreases the incidences of developing a serious and potentially fatal infections of the uterus experienced by many animals that are not spayed. This surgery also eliminates the heat cycle as-sociated with mood swings, undesirable behaviours, messy spotting in dogs and attraction of males to the yard.

The male and females should be spayed or neutered six months after birth while older animals can be spayed as long as they are in good health.

Mpumalanga received three mobile clinic trucks in 2010 and about 12 clinics were built with the sole purpose of consult-ing for rabies and sterilisation campaigns and the ambulatory trucks are used for visiting diptanks with animal health techni-cians in attendance, veterinary extension at schools, human clinics, farmers’ days and individual clients.

They are also sponsoring livestock and poultry projects through the PAHC unit.

DAFF has also donated three panel-van-type ambulatory vehicles to Mpuma-langa, which were launched in 2013 and they immediately took part in an outreach programme that included ovariohysterec-tomies, orchidectomies of dogs and cats, castration of livestock, vaccinations for rabies and other PAHC clinical services.

In KZN, clinical services that were ren-dered were mostly basic treatments for common diseases and treatment of live-stock with insecticides and anthelmintics at dip tanks. Also, as part of basic wound care and treatment of tickborne diseases and preventive measures like vaccination of cattle for lumpy-skin diseases were also conducted. In a state vet office in Hluh-luwe, AHTs are able to examine animals and perform basic procedures such as stabilisation, intravenous fluid adminis-tration, anaesthesia, suturing, treatment for Temic poisoning and various other frequent diseases.

from p 7

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South African growers may have to prepare land and implements for an era of greater production. This was evident at the Subtrop Marketing Symposium held in White River, Mpu-malanga on 6 November 2014.

Subtrop is the South African Subtropi-cal Grower’s Association managing the affairs of the South African Avocado (SAAGA), Mango (SAMGA), Macadamia (SAMAC) and Litchi (SALGA) Growers Associations based in Tzaneen, Lim-popo. The symposium was held under the theme: Taking the long view.

In his opening address, the Hon. An-dries Gamede, Mpumalanga MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, emphasised that the agricultural industry continues to contribute to the economy of this country and that “it is crucial that farmers con-tinue with production.”

He further highlighted that South Africa, as a member of the BRICS coun-tries, would assist farmers with access to potential markets in the region. BRICS is an acronym for the combined economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. These countries are among the fastest growing emerging markets.

Another potential market may also exist in the United States (US). According to Xavier Equihua of the Federal Strategies Group Incorporated in Washington DC, there is a huge increase in avocado con-sumption in the US, as well as countries such as Peru, Mexico and Chile. He said that weather patterns like the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere have a negative effect on the quality of the avocado fruit, which is mostly used in vegan and vegetarian diets. According to him, this could mean that South Africa has an opportunity to produce more and export to the US market.

Production of subtropical fruit such as avocado, macadamia nuts and citrus is a growing trend in California, however, cli-mate change remains the biggest obsta-

cle for good produce. Drought has been having a continuing impact on farming in California since 2012. Speaking at the symposium, Guy Witney, the General Manager of the Red Sun Hortitech in Tzaneen, Limpopo, said borehole levels are low as the water table has dropped by 5 mm or more. Witney, who has lived abroad for a number of years, further alarmed that the dry season in California, could continue up to early 2015 and that it is so severe that rain would possibly not have an immediate effect. A good yield of produce in SA could go a long way for the export market.

By Jamela Nkanyane

“It is crucial that farmers continue with production”

Global market opportunities for SA growers

Farmers should not only focus on accessing global market opportunities but also target the local market. South Africa’s local market such as retailers is growing rapidly, presenting good op-portunities for growers to produce more. This is according to Richard Owen of the Produce Marketing Association in the US. He is of the view that the population of developing countries could grow up to 630 million by 2020 and to 50 million for developed countries in the same year, presenting growers with an oppor-tunity to produce more and penetrate the market.

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The people of Mpumalanga were en-couraged to produce their own food to fight hunger and malnutrition. Commemorating World Food Day and launching the ploughing season, the Mpumalanga Department of Agricul-ture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) gath-ered the community of Marapyane at the Lefisoane Stadium on 30 October 2014.

The launch of the ploughing season saw the handing over of 32 tractors, maize seed and fertilisers to beneficiaries as part of rolling out the Masibuyele Emasimini Programme. The programme commenced in parts of the province in 2005 aimed at urging and supporting rural people in us-ing underutilised land to produce food for their own subsistence.

Speaking at the gathering, the Hon. An-dries Gamede, MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Af-fairs encouraged the community to utilise the tractors and maize seed responsibly.

The Mokhanda family of six from Lifisoane was one of the beneficiaries of the maize seed and fertilisers. Johanna Mokhanda, 24, said she is grateful to the MEC for the donations because they would benefit the community as well. The Mokhandas already have borehole water and fencing which was installed by the Dr. J.S Moroka Local Municipality (DR JSMLM).

Piet Phofa who produces potatoes, butternut, pumpkin, green beans and tomatoes, is another beneficiary who was adamant he would share his produce with the special school of disabled learners to show his appreciation to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

The Mpumalanga Government launched this year’s World Food Day following the national launch of the October Food Se-curity Month by the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, where a call was made to all provincial departments to collect food to build a food mountain and donate to the needy. More beneficiar-

Mpumalanga marks World Food Day

By Jamela Nkanyane

ies in Marapyane would continue to receive food parcels from the food mountain.

This year’s World Food Day was com-memorated under the theme: Family Farming: Feeding the world, caring for the earth.

Another highlight of the day was the 2014 Mpumalanga Provincial Abattoir Rating Scheme (PARS) awards ceremony. The glamorous occasion seeks to recog-nise those abattoirs that make an effort to produce wholesome and safe meat for consumers. The abattoir industry in the province employs more than 8 000 people. The awards categories and win-ners are:

High Throughput Red Meat awarded •to Ramburg BeefLow Throughput Red Meat awarded •

to SuperHigh Throughput Poultry awarded to •AFGRI DaybreakLow Throughput Poultry awarded to •Venter Plaashoender

The MEC’s award, presented for the first time to the overall winner, went to AF-GRI Daybreak. Leoni du Plessis of AFGRI Daybreak expressed her joy, saying that they make effort to maintain meat safety. The abattoir, which has been in business since 2006, employs about 1 000 staff members.

Hon. Gamede encouraged abattoirs to comply with meat safety regulations. He further highlighted that the provincial department has plans to assist new entrants into the business and market, encouraging commercial farmers to also mentor new entrants.

Mr Andries Gamede, MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs in Mpumalanga and Cllr D.P. Mahlangu, Acting Mayor of Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality chatting to exhibitors at the provincial World Food Day in Lefisoane Stadium, Marapyane at Dr JS Moroka municipality.

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Ukuvuna farming project solution for food securityUrban Ukuvuna Farming Project is a model for delivering sustainable urban agriculture in South Africa. The project continues to prove that urban farming can be used to quell social problems like poverty, unemploy-ment and food security in the country. Ukuvuna, which means “harvesting in abundance” is run by hardworking urban farmer John Nzira, with the help of four permanent workers. Ukuvuna is situated in Midrand and is a good demonstration of how people can grow their own food. The project produces vegetables, fruit, honey, fish, seeds for improving nutrition, and protecting the erosion of open pol-linated and purebred crop varieties, herbs and other things. They promote agro-ec-ological training in rural and urban com-munities, schools and clinics. They provide GM free maize seeds to small farmers and home gardeners in Gauteng.

Urban agriculture is commonly known as an important livelihood strategy among the poor for food security and as an in-come generator in developing countries. In South Africa, it is emerging as a strategy for poverty alleviation. Despite high un-employment levels in the country, urban agriculture appears less robust among South Africa’s urban poor households when compared to other developing countries.

Upcoming farmers can learn or use the Urban Ukuvuna Farming project as an example of urban farming. As part of climate smart agriculture, the project pro-motes the integration of crops and forestry or agro-forestry as they have a variety of trees. Nzira also agreed that there is a need to implement research on climate smart agriculture.

He said that urban farming has been excellent in helping to address the is-sue of hunger and unemployment in the country.

“We conserve water as we are a country with water scarcity, so we have to take care of it. We receive certain amount of rain

and we conserve the water in the dam. We do have alien plants, but we do control them. We practice zero tillage as it helps to bind the soil and prevents soil erosion. We sell our products to the nearest com-munities as they come to buy and then sell in the societies. This enhances food security in the community. We do not want people to go far to get food and we also encourage others to grow their own food. We are fortunate to be working with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and provincial Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural De-velopment (GDARD). We do participate in their programmes. Both departments are helping us with training so that we could help other farmers,” he said.

Nzira won the Kudu Award for Commu-nity Contribution and also the GDARD’s Mma Tshepo Khumbane (MTK) award in 2011.

By Sam Kgatla

Mr John Nzira, explaining how they make their own compost.

With the help of four workers, the project proves that urban farming can be used to quell poverty, unemployment and food security.

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The leading agricultural technology group, Syngenta, announced the ex-pansion of its Brits formulation, fill and packaging plant (FF&P) site in the North West Province, where pesticides are produced. The operation will add an automated herbicide filling line.

The company that first opened its doors in 1976 in South Africa, as the first of its kind in the seed and crop protection busi-ness, has contributed to the employment rate in the country since then.This includes a new automated system for the formula-tion, filling of containers and packaging of pesticides. This plant is Syngenta’s only one in Africa that produces pesticides.

Syngenta has invested approximately R20 million in the expansion and the new line is expected to significantly boost herbicide production to satisfy the strong demand on the continent. The FF&P site in Brits is Syngenta’s only such site in Africa and forms a key part of the company’s growth strategy in Africa. This will assist with the rapidly changing nature of the company’s business. Syngenta regards sustainable agriculture as an essential element of the business. The guest speaker at the event was Mr Mooketsa Ramasodi from the department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries. Mr Ramasodi is the acting Deputy Director-General:Agricultural Production, Health and Food Safety. He said that with every election in government comes a new mandate for Minister Senzeni Zokwana and Deputy Minister Bheki Cele. The mandate has already been set out by the President: the department is to create 1 million jobs by 2030. South Africa is still dealing with the issues of unemployment and food insecurity, 12 million people in the country go to bed hungry. “Employ-ment of the youth is the one that needs to be pushed up,” Ramasodi said. He added that smallholder farmers have great potential for employment.

Paul Claxton, Head of the Brits FF&P site, said that the expanded facility will contribute to realising Africa’s agricultural

potential. It will also help serve the growing requirements on the continent. Syngenta revealed that the investment is in line with the company’s commitment made in May 2012 of building a $1 billion business in Africa over the next ten years. Through this commitment, the company promises

Expansion adds an automated herbicide filling line

By Hellen Phushela

to make a cumulative investment of over $500 million in Africa; recruit and train Af-rican employees and develop distribution channel networks, local production facili-ties with local partners and increase access to technology for both smallholders and large-scale farmers on the continent.

Mr Paul Claxton, Head of Brits Formulation, Fill & Packaging Site, Mr Andrew Guthrie, Regional Director for EMEA, Syngenta seen together with Mr Mooketsa Ramasodi, Acting Deputy Director-General, Agricultural Production, Health and Food Safety.

The expansion supports The Good Growth Plan; Syngenta’s bold, measurable programme to help farmers across the world to grow more food using fewer resources, while protecting nature and improving life for people in rural communities.

January 2015 DAFFnews No. 1 12

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Market conditions for macadamia nuts will continue to be positive in the 2015 season, with demand still on the increase and a favourable exchange rate counting in farmers’ favour.

Alan Sutton, chairperson of The Valley Macadamias Group, still cautioned that the ceiling on prices has nearly been reached. “Anything past this particular point is going into unknown territory as retailers are getting nervous to market products at a higher price than currently as they are unsure if it will sell.”

He added that prices are currently so high that farmers aren’t worried about breaking even. “If the prices remain the same and with the exchange rate on the path that it is, farmers will make a good deal of money next year.”

The 2014 season saw prices going up to US$5,60 per kilogram for top quality nuts.

Last season saw a big swing in the market as more processors exported Nut in Shell (NIS) to China at the expense of traditional kernel markets in Europe and America. Some 60% of local nuts went to the Far East as the prices for NIS increased.

The Chinese, however, came short as many processors not familiar with the Chinese quality standards used the country as a dumping ground for bad quality nuts, which will have a ripple effect on uptake in the 2015 season.

Sutton explains, “Some 400 container loads of bad quality nuts from South Af-rica are waiting to be dispersed into the Chinese market. That product will have to be sold but there will be serious haemor-rhaging with regards to pricing because the Chinese have to discount that product when they resell it, even though they have paid high prices to the original seller.

“The result is that it will slow down the throughput of nuts into China so the price increases we were expecting for 2015 might not materialise. We are looking at a

very small increase if any increase at all.”Prices will be determined after the Chi-

nese New Year in February because that will determine how much of a backlog of nuts has accumulated.

Sutton stated that China still wants the product in the same volumes but they want quality. “They don’t want rubbish. China is not a dumping ground for bad quality and South Africa needs to realise that they can’t send nuts with an unsound kernel percentage of 10%.”

He said that the NIS market will continue to grow, especially with the advent of inter-net sales in China. This market is driven by retailers who market products online and deliver across the city within an hour.

“The competition is so high in this mar-ket that the retailers offer a 100% satisfac-tion guaranteed. So if the consumer finds but one nut in a packet that is bad then he is entitled to send the whole packet back and get a refund within two hours.

This highlights the quality issue even fur-ther as retailers take a beating when the unsound kernel ratio is high and they hurt their reputation.”

Sutton noted that $57 million was spent on Singles Day in November at one mac-adamia nut company online in China.

Last season was one of the worst in terms of quality during the last ten years. This is largely attributed to weather conditions causing immature nuts and an increase in stinkbugs as farmers could not spray their crops timeously due to the rain.

Sutton noted that if weather conditions continue as it currently is then there will be no negative consequences to the macadamia crop in 2015. He estimated a national crop of 51 000 ton, up from 46 000 ton in 2014. The growth is at-tributed to more trees coming into pro-duction. World demand currently sits at 100 000 tons and South Africa is the biggest producer worldwide.

Macadamia outlook for 2015 remains positive