T his past week the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Food Security Index (GFSI), sponsored by DuPont, was released. The GFSI provides a common framework for understanding the root causes of food insecurity by looking at the dynamics of food systems around the world. It seeks to answer the central question: How food-secure is a country? The GFSI has recorded a slippage in global food security over the past year, after four years of consecutive food security gains. Key factors contributing to this deterioration include urban growth and migration, greater household expenditure on food, political instability, and pressure on food safety nets and international food aid programmes. The decline in global food security is even more concerning given climate-related and natural resource risks facing countries around the globe, which will intensify in the future. Facing up to these risks will require significant collaborative efforts by governments, the private sector, non-profit organisations and other stakeholders. Please click on GFSI 2017  to peruse a must read. 

Promise of rain bodes well for food-price inflation 

Contrary to expectations, SA wheat production estimates revised upward Contrary to market expectations of a decline in South Africa's 2017 second wheat production estimate, the National Crop Estimate Committee boosted its view by 7% from the previous estimate to 1.7 million tonnes.  Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz economist, provides more information in the linked update»

SA food products price inflation decelerates to 1.9% y/y 

Click here to read the daily market view on commodities and the weekly wrap.  

Africa's CFTA promises to resolve the continent's spaghetti challenge of trade agreements 

The CFTA is seen as a strategic tool that will deepen regional and continental intra-trade, subsequently boost business and economic integration of 55 African states under a pan-African free trade area. However, it is imperative to note that it's not only tariffs that inhibit intra-African trade, but also trade related infrastructure. Trade facilitation measures, such as simplification of customs, are also fundamental to boosting African's internal trade. Sifiso Ntombela, Agbiz Head: International Trade and Investment Intelligence, provides more information in the linked article»

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) launched an insightful study on  Revitalising Agricultural Education and Training in South Africa   on 27 September 2017.  Mariana Purnell of Agbiz Grain attended the event where Prof Frans Swanepoel, Chair of the Agricultural Education and Training Panel, presented the findings and recommendations. The study was funded by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) -  Read more»

The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) is making an annual bursary of R34 000 (THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND RAND) available to a South African student registered for a Masters or PhD degree in either agricultural economics or agribusiness management related fields, at any recognised South African university.  The c losing date for applications is 8 December 2017.  More information»

The South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR) intends on hosting a workshop and presentations to those interested in, and affected by South African Seed Legislation. This would be of benefit to farmers, producers and cleaners of seed, anyone who applies chemicals to seed, sellers and marketers of seed, chemical companies that either directly or indirectly supply seed treatments or coatings, agricultural businesses licensing or dealing with seed, seed companies and plant breeders.   Read more»

International dairy product prices recovered since July 2016. Prices increased by 47% during 2016 to reach a 30-month high in December 2016. After a slight downturn at the beginning of 2017, prices increased steadily. The Global Dairy Trade index is currently at 1075, 99% up on the lowest level in 2015.   Read more»