DAFFOfficial newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

January 2016

As the country continues to battle the worst drought since 1992, one of the sectors that are severely affected by the drought is agriculture. The be-low normal rainfall and abnor-mally high temperatures have led to crop failing and livestock dying, driving the country to look into importing 5 to 6 mil-lion tons of white and yellow maize because of shortages.

The Minister of the Depart-ment of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Senzeni Zokwana, the Minister of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRLD), Gugile Nkwinti together with the provincial MECs of agri-culture in Eastern Cape, Mlibo Qhoboshi-yane, Free State, Oupa Khoabane, KwaZulu-Natal, Cyril Xaba, Limpopo, Joy Matshoge and Mpumalanga, Andries Gamede briefed the media on drought interventions on 22 January 2016.

Minister Senzeni Zokwana listed various government departments, municipalities and other entities that are working together to provide support to drought-affected farmers. Livestock feed, rainwater tanks and cart water tanks will be provided to the farmers and livestock owners. He also added that the department will establish and maintain a National Information Management System to ensure information flow among provinces.

“Food security will be heavily affected

DAFF’s drought interventions

By Rony Moremi

by drought because we’ll not be able to harvest the yield we expected. In some places no planting was done while some have very low yields,” said the Minister. He encouraged farmers to practice conserva-tion agriculture and also consider planting other cultivars that are more drought toler-ant. He also informed the media that the Industrial Development Corperation will provide soft loans as emergency funding to its existing clients who apply for drought relief support.

In support of Minister Senzeni Zokwana, the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti encouraged farmers to utilise state land for livestock grazing. He added that his department has allocated R187 million towards drought relief and that there need to be better coordination among departments for greater impact.

The provinces that have declared the drought are, Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West,

Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. Each province presented a report of the drought relief intervention measures taken in their province. In light of the current drought, the department gave the provinces a directive to use 20% which equals R226 million in total of the Letsema grant. The MEC of Limpopo, Ms Joy Matshoge reported that R51 million has been budgeted

for drought relief, R20 million has been set aside for procurement of fodder to assist smallholder and subsistence farmers and R31 million would be used for providing water for livestock. The department has also embarked on roadshows in different districts of the province to fast track deliv-ery of fodder to the affected farmers.

Boreholes, windmills and the establish-ment of fodder banks are some of the interventions taken by Eastern Cape to assist drought affected farmers. The Free State drilled 132 boreholes to assist live-stock farmers and allocated R39 million towards drought relief interventions. The MEC reported that 2 900 farmers have been assisted. Overall reports from the drought affected provinces showed that the provinces are providing ongoing drought relief support to the farmers in the prov-inces with mitigation measures such as drilling of boreholes and establishment of fodder banks.

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Editor Piwe Mbiko (012) 319 6936 piwem@daff.gov.zaSubeditor Lerato Mofokeng (012) 319 7927 leratomof@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.zaPhotographer Jarius Mmutle (012) 319 7366 jarusm@daff.gov.zaInterns Zama Buthelezi (012) 319 6958 ZamaB@daff.gov.za Dimakatso Modise (012) 319 7819 DimakatsoMo@daff.gov.zaDistribution Salome Bodibe (012) 319 7085 salomeb@daff.gov.za Sheila Flockton (012) 319 7141 sheilaf@daff.gov.za Website: www.daff.gov.za

DAFFnews is the newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry

and Fisheries. Private Bag X250, PRETORIA 0001.

It is published by the Directorate Communication Services, Private Bag

X144, PRETORIA 0001.

Opinions expressed in DAFFnews are not necessarily those of the

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permission from the editor.

The plight of small-scale fisheries may become a thing of the past in the East-ern Cape Province. This comes after the intervention from the government’s Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ oversight visit from 14 to 18 September.

The Portfolio Committee members visited the Mthatha Dam Fish Centre, a storage facility for confiscated resources, fishing harbour and other fishing projects. The committee, led by chairperson Rosina Semenya and Deputy Chairperson, Humprey Maxhegwana had a fruitful meeting with small-scale fishers in Port St Johns and Black Fishers Association and Tsitsikama small-scale fishers. The purpose of the meeting was to listen to the problems and concerns surrounding the small-scale fisheries.

Some of the challenges faced by the small-scale fishers in the Eastern Cape in-clude illegal poaching of fish and abalone, issues affecting fishers not catered to in the labour legislation, corruption in the fishing industry, fishers paid less compared with the fishing rights allocated to them and murders of fishermen.

Xola Ngcangca, Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Black Fishers Association mentioned that their association is cur-rently engaged in the development of knowledge and skills of small-scale fishers, traders and processors, to improve the standards, fish handling and ultimately improved businesses.

Furthermore, he said fronting in the industry remains a big problem that needs

By Samuel Kgatla

DAFF’s intervention. “It is a matter that we have brought to

the attention of DAFF directorship and management. Some of the challenges in-clude uncertainty on the number of permits that are going to be issued, uncertainty surrounding the vessel specification; no pilot project to determine the cost that small-scale fisher will incur and the forma-tion of cooperatives. We are very much concerned about our issues not included in the labour legislation,” he said.

Acting Chairperson of the committee, Mr Humprey Maxegwana said that as the committee they want everything to be revealed, so that people can be assisted and he reiterated that information sharing is essential.

“The fishing community must gather themselves to have one voice because

their problems are more or less the same. We are here to listen to small-scale fishery organisations. We want to ensure that what we were told is what is on the ground. We must focus on issues affecting your lives. We want to assure you that we will take your problems or concerns serious. The information you have given us shall assist us going forward and I encourage people not to be used as frontiers,” concluded Maxegwana.

The parliament also visited Siyazama Aquaculture Primary Cooperative. A local aquaculture farm in Hamburg, Eastern Cape recently underwent its first harvest of approximately 260 dusky kob fish or kabeljou as it is commonly referred to. The Hamburg kob pilot project is driven by DAFF and it employs 21 people from the community.

Portfolio Comittee focuses on Small-Scale Fisheries

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Portfolio Comittee focuses on Small-Scale Fisheries

The Department of Agriculture, For-estry and Fisheries (DAFF) is really looking at improving the performance of veterinary services in South Africa through the enlightening veterinary strategy. DAFF held the Gauteng public consultation workshop with the animal industry stakeholders from 18 to 22 January at Onderstepoort. The strat-egy, which was attended by experts in the animal industry, disease controls and surveillance is also expected to help the Veterinary Services to meet the requirements of a changing world.

The purpose of the veterinary strategy is to provide direction for the improve-ment on the delivery of veterinary services to higher standards in South Africa. It will facilitate the establishment of seven priorities that are consistent with agreed strategic pillars and the revision of, and agreement on, acceptable and appropri-ate standards. In this manner, the strategy will ensure consistency with key priority outcomes of the government of the Repub-lic of South Africa to ensure a seamless, infallible, consistent and equal access to services across the country.

Inputs, comments and guidance were made; especially on issues such as food and food safety; control of veterinary medicines and antimicrobial resistance action plan; residue control and monitor-ing; laboratory approval for food safety and zoonosis analysis; animal welfare at slaughter; authorisations of private vet-erinarians and para-veterinarians; disease control and surveillance; veterinary diag-nostic laboratories; animal identification and access to markets and lastly veterinary governance model in South Africa.

Dr Bothle Modisane mentioned that whatever happens during these consulta-tions will be taken into consideration and that is why he was encouraging everyone to play their roles. “The inputs, guidance and everything that comes from these

By Samuel Kgatla

Veterinary Strategy to improve Veterinary Services

consultations will not only affect the Di-rectorate: Animal Health, but will do so on the animal industry. I am pleased with the attendance of the workshop from the first day till the last. We want to arrive to a state where we view and do everything together in the industry. What I like about this strategy is that it involves the partici-pation of private and provincial laborato-ries. Animal identification and access to markets are very serious issues that need our attention. Let us continue working together as we need strong collaboration with the municipalities to eradicate many diseases,” he said.

Modisane thanked everyone for spend-ing good times with them and also said that it was a fruitful workshop.

Dr Michael Bradfield from Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) said they need an animal identification system with stakeholders playing their part. More-over, he continued that people can learn from countries such as Namibia because they have a good animal identification system. “It is important to have this kind of workshop so that you can also learn from other countries in the world. Australia de-veloped its national livestock identification system because of exotic disease control, food safety, endemic disease control and market access,” he said.

The workshops on these consultations in other provinces will continue to run and the department shall look at finalising the strategy at the end of March.

The purpose of the veterinary strategy is to provide direction for the improvement on the delivery of veterinary services to higher standards in South Africa.

January 2016 DAFFnews No. 1 4

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The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Africa Veterinary Tech-nician Association (AVTA) and Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medi-cines (GALVmed) held the first inter-national conference in Africa on the Role of Veterinary Para-Professionals (VPPs)in Africa.

Under the theme “Linking veterinary para-professionals and veterinarians”, the conference sought to find recommenda-tions in improving efficient surveillance, early detection and rapid response to ani-mal disease outbreak to ensure the health of both animals and humans and securing the income of poor rural populations.

Delegates from 18 African countries were in attendance representing the Afri-can National Association and Veterinary Para-Professionals as well as representa-tives of the National Veterinary Authorities, Veterinary Services and Veterinary Statutory Bodies. As part of the conference’s open-ing various representatives shared their testimonials in support of the importance of having the conference of this nature in Africa.

The CEO of GALVmed Peter Jeffries, in his testimonial mentioned the impact VPPs have in rural communities and how their function should be supported in terms of resources and through the recommen-dations these issues will be addressed. GALVmed is a non-profit Product Devel-opment Partnership, which focuses on development of animal health products for small-scale livestock producers in Africa and South Asia.

“By the end of this conference I believe that the recommendations will assist in addressing issues such as shortages of veterinarians in rural areas and what are the functions of VPPs operating under the responsibility of veterinary to name but a few. So we highly support the initiative of having the role of VPPs at the centre of the conference mandate,” said Jeffries

OIE Deputy Director-General Monique

Eliott also highlighted the importance of partnerships between all professionals in her testimonial.

“Indeed, a governance of animal health systems relies on a close partnership be-tween the public and private sectors. That is the reason why the Terrestrial Animal Health Code defines the Veterinary Serv-ices in its glossary as including public and private organisations, using the services but also of other health professionals and para-professionals,” said Eliott

Chief Director of Animal Health and Production and OIE President Dr Bothle Modisane delivered the key note address on behalf of the Minister of DAFF in sup-port of the conference as he emphasised the importance of collaboration between the various professions, more significantly for the success of the farmer and to ensure food security globally.

“Veterinary technologists play a sig-nificant role in the management of the laboratories and ensure the proper tests

The role of paraprofessionalsin the delivery of Veterinary Services in Africa

By Musa Khumalo

are conducted to make an accurate di-agnosis. Similarly, laboratory technicians help ensure that ethical research is being conducted. These are also relevant for research to consider aspects related to human health. I hope recommendations in this conference will encourage part-nerships between relevant stakeholders to continue working together in finding sustainable solutions,” said the Minister.

A governance of animal health systems relies on a close partnership between the public and private sectors.

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On the final day of the conference delegates reached consensus about the future of para-professional. These recommendations incorporated the three main topics discussed during breakaway sessions, which were: recognition of VPPs in different sec-tors: public sector employees, private practitioners, civil society/NGO and streamlining terminology pertaining to VPPs and their diplomas across Africa and linking veterinarians and veterinary par-professionals - how to go about it.

In support of the conclusions that came out of the three topics, the CEO of GALVmed, Mr. Peter Jeffries emphasised the importance of implementing the rec-ommendations.

“The building blocks of the different components that pertain to the veterinary profession are in line with the guidelines presented by the OIE. It is up to each country to implement on the ground level the outcomes of the conference,” said Jefferies

In the closing remarks of the Deputy President of the OIE, Monique Elliot rec-ognised the importance of the role VPPs play in supporting veterinarians and en-couraged veterinarians, para-veterinari-ans, the private sector and governments to work together to ensure the success of human and animal health.

“I recognise challenges that have come out in this conference and I would like to be firm on a few of them which are human resources, educational qualifica-tion, interaction between the different role players that need to be developed and the great gap in the legislations. The OIE will continue to encourage cooperation by promoting active interaction between the different role players in the public health, private sector and government institutions,” said Elliot

She also mentioned that the OIE will continue to work together with govern-ments and professionals so that the quality of the training of VPPs can be im-proved. The OIE supports the building of

Draft recommendations at Veterinary conference

relationships between veterinarians and para-professionals to encourage them to work together in training for scarce skills and write up guidelines that will clearly define their roles.

The following are the draft rec-ommendations to the Veterinary Authorities of the OIE Member Countries as given by the partici-pants:

To address the shortcomings high-•lighted in PVS pathway mission re-ports, in particular the critical com-petencies related to human resourc-es and veterinarians and VPPsTo facil i tate and, where pos-•sible, harmonise the legisla-t i ve f ramework fo r t he e s -t a b l i s h m e n t a n d m a n a g e -ment of Veterinary Statutory Bod-ies where these do not ex-ist or do not comply with OIE stand-ards, or to update it for a bet-ter recognition of the issues relat-ed to the tasks undertaken by veteri-nary para-professionals as an inte-gral part of Veterinary Services To support the veterinary para-•professionals to establish in-

dependent nat ional, region-al and/or sector-wide associa-tions, able and competent to repre-sent the profession(s) in the Veteri-nary Statutory Body or Bodies To take into account their ex-•pectation that the National Vet-erinary Statutory Body will include veterinary para-professionals in their decision- making bodies, beyond the mere registration or list-ing of these para-professionals; To take into account their ex-•pectation that the National Vet-erinary Statutory Body will de-fine conditions and admission crite-ria for continuing education and post-graduate education for veteri-nary paraprofessionals; To mobilise Veterinary Education-•al Establishments and Veterinary As-sociations to develop the re-quired training opportunities for vet-erinary para-professionals; To take necessary steps for the en-•actment and enforcement of re-qu i r ed l eg i s l a t i on t ha t w i l l e n s u r e t h e i m p l e m e n t a -tion of these recommendations.

By Musa Khumalo

January 2016 DAFFnews No. 1 6

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The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries through the Land Use and Soil Management (LUSM) directorate hosted the Conservation of Agri-cultural Resources Act, Act 43 of 1983 (CARA) National awareness on control of Bankrupt bush (Seriphium plumosum) commonly known as Slangbos at the South African National Boidi-versity Institute in Pre-toria. The theme of the CARA National aware-ness was “Bankrupt bush (Seriphium plu-mosum), a silent threat to grasslands and food security.’’

The purpose of the workshop was to create awareness, consultation on policy development, mobilise resources from interested parties into discussion and de-velopment of the action plan to effectively deal with Bankrupt bush for the protection of the veld and improved productivity and to engage, share ideas and develop an integrated approach to deal with the control of Bankrupt bush.

Various organisations, including Agri SA representing farmers, Gauteng Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural De-velopment (GDARD), South African Na-tional Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), Department: Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (D:READ) in North West; Department of Agriculture in Limpopo (LDA) and Agricultural Re-search Council (ARC) participated in the workshop. On 18 March 2015, the first day of the workshop, the Director: LUSM Ms Lydia Bosoga opened the workshop and welcomed the delegates. Ms Lydia Bosoga, Director: Land Use and Soil Man-agement presented a report on the status

quo pertaining to the review of CARA as it is regarded as an imperative exercise that will enhance the administration of CARA. Ms Mpume Ntlokwana, Deputy Director: Resource Audit within LUSM chaired the programme for Day 1 of the workshop, which was dominated by various presenta-tions on Bankrupt bush. Presentations were given by the following speakers: Presenta-tion on Bankrupt bush control by Mr Paul Avenant – DAFF Natural Resources Inven-tories and Assessment (NRIA); an Ecologi-cal approach to weed and invader plants control by Mr Ivan Riggs – DAFF Resource Audit; Remote sensing on Bankrupt bush by Morwapula Mashalane – South African National Space Agency (SANSA); Working for Water Herbicide Assistance Program by Debbie Sharp – DEA; Fire and brows-ers as ecological tools in the control of Sephirium plumosum L. invasion of South African Grassland communities by Gilbert Pule – ARC; Fire, grazing and herbicides – a 3-pronged approach to Slangbos management by Mr Justine du Toit – DAFF Pasture Research and a Pilot project out-comes - lessons learnt and challenges ex-perienced in the control of Bankrupt bush

Awareness event on control of Bankrupt Bush

by Mr Godwin Mmbadi – DRDLR. Questions and Discussions were allowed for delegates to engage in the presentations and other relevant issues per-taining Regulation 16 and other general CARA issues and outcomes. The following guests formed part of the panel members to address Questions and Discussions: Mr Nic Opperman – Agri SA, Mr Dieter Jordaan – D: READ in North West and Mr Harmen Den Dulk –GDARD. Subsequent to

the panel discussions, there was a breaka-way session in order for groups to have discussions and provide recommendations to enable the development of an action plan for the control of Bankrupt bush (Slangbos). The facilitators for the four groups were; Group 1: Ms Anneliza Collett – DAFF, LUSM - NRIA, Group 2: Mr Paul Avenant – DAFF, LUSM - NRIA, Group 3: Mr Mahlodi Tau – SANBI and Group 4: Mr Dieter Jordaan – D:READ (NW). All four of the groups presented their outcomes at the end of the discussions. The outcomes of the group discussions are summarised as follows:

GROUP 1:Funding has been made available for •the control of Bankrupt bush through existing programmes and projects such as LandCare.The conducted survey and compila-•tion of the database on affected areas assisted tremendously in identifying the problem areas.Good work has been done on aware-•ness creation of the problem.

By Shobathe Mohlahlana

to p 7

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Due to work currently being done •on the management and control of Bankrupt bush there is also a good understanding of the focus or priority points for future projects.The interaction with land owners in •the completion of the survey created a positive interaction platform on the management of rangeland.

GROUP 2:Additional awareness on the en-•croachment by Bankrupt bush is needed.Effective coordination between all •role-players involved in the control of Bankrupt bush is lacking.Dedicated funding for the control of •Bankrupt bush is required that will greatly assist in the control thereof.More research is still required on vari-•ous aspects of Bankrupt bush.

GROUP 3:Focused awareness activities should •be done by DAFF, DEA and the PDAs.Farmers should be mobilised to be-•come more actively involved through various forums such as the DWIP committees or through extension services.Standard Operating Procedures •should be developed and followed that will guide applicants to the Her-bicide Assistance Programmes on the

application procedures that should be followed and whom should be ap-proached within the various affected areas. DAFF as mandated authority under CARA should take the lead in this process.Procedures for the utilisation of a •Working for Water team to assist with the control of Bankrupt bush within specific areas should be developed.A dedicated forum and/or website •should be established that will act as the platform for improved coordina-tion between all relevant stakeholders and role-players.A formalised link should be estab-•lished between the forum and tertiary institutions for dedicated research opportunities on Bankrupt bush with the investigation of a possibility of bursaries for such studies by DAFF.

GROUP 4:The Draft Action plan should be put •together and distributed for com-ments.It is acknowledged that the forum has •accepted the draft CARA policy and it will be prioritised this financial year for finalisation and implementation.Research matters should be ad-•dressed, especially the aspects per-taining to the control and disposal of dead plants.The completed Report on the National •Bankrupt bush survey will be distrib-

uted to workshop attendees.

Day 2 of the eventOn the second day the delegation vis-

ited a private farm in Rayton, Pretoria to conduct a demonstration on the growth of Slangbos which was lead by Mr Paul Ave-nant from DAFF - NRIA. The land owner welcomed all the delegates to the farm. Ms Mpume Ntlokwana opened the gath-ering and welcomed all delegates (about 48 participants). She further explained the purpose of the field visit and that partici-pants were going to witness Slangbos and learn about control and surveying. She fur-ther encouraged delegates to make use of the opportunity in exchanging information and experiences. Mr Harmen Den Dulk thanked the land owner and the team that assisted him to get access to the farm for demonstration of Slangbos purposes. All delegates participated in the exercise to survey 00 m² of land to estimate the plant density which was found to be 3 900/ha (39 X 100 m² = 3 900).

In conclusion the event was a great success. Positive feedback was obtained from delegates and they were very much excited and the information shared was very relevant and important. Delegates recommended that a follow-up event on Slangbos should be held soon. DAFF would like to extend its gratitude to the DAFF community and stakeholders for their contribution in making this event a success.

from p 6

Partisipants busy with the land survey.Bankrupt bush (Seriphium plumosum) is commonly known as Slangbos.

January 2016 DAFFnews No. 1 8

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As South Africa continues to battle the drought which is further impact-ing on already scarce water supplies, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is implementing measures to conserve wetlands – a primary source of fresh water – and to prevent the loss of water resources to alien invasive plants.

Since long before the era of the Egyptian Pharaohs, wetlands have supported the livelihoods of successive generations of African communities. Despite all the so-cial, economic and technological changes that have taken place over the centuries, communities across the continent continue to depend primarily on wetlands for water, food and fibre. Two of the most important wetland ecosystem services affecting hu-man wellbeing involve fresh water avail-ability and fish supply.

The principal supply of renewable fresh water for human use comes from an

Critical water resources gobbled up by alien invasives

array of inland wetlands. Physical and economic water scarcity and limited or reduced access to water are both major challenges facing South African society and key factors which could limit sustain-able economic development. Apart from providing goods and services to humans, wetlands have for millennia provided breeding and feeding habitats for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

The Chrissiesmeer Protected Environ-ment (which forms part of the protected area network of South Africa) comprises over 300 lakes and pans, as well as other wetland types. Due to its richness in wetlands and water birds it is a proposed Ramsar site (wetland of international importance). Many of our threatened bird species depend on wetlands for their survival. These include the Grey Crowned Crane which uses the Chrissiesmeer wet-lands for breeding in the summer months.

The health of these wetlands is negatively impacted by invasive alien plants such as Black Wattle and bluegum trees, which take up huge amounts of water which would otherwise have flowed into the wetlands, thus impacting negatively on the amount of water available within the wetlands for use by plants, animals and humans.

Ursula Franke, Senior Field Officer for the EWT’s African Crane Conservation Programme notes that there is a vis-ible difference in water quantities when comparing wetlands where alien invasive clearing has not been undertaken to that in cleared wetlands.

Communities living within the Chris-siesmeer Protected Environment can celebrate the start of a new invasive alien clearing project this World Wetlands Day (2 February). Funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, the project will focus on local job creation through the clearing of invasive alien plants, and will be undertaken in partnership with Eastern Wetland Rehab.

This will ensure the improved health of the wetlands and surrounding grasslands and thus have a positive impact on water availability for communities and cranes within the Protected Environment. The value of this is especially pertinent during this current dry period.

Cereus hildmannianus or better known as Queen of the night is a category 1b invasive plant. This category invasive species must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.

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With a growing world popula-tion and ever increasing global demand for food, it is more im-portant than ever to maximize crop yields, and fertiliser will play a critical role in achiev-ing that goal. Accordingly, the focus of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction efforts must be on improving the relative carbon intensity of agricultural crops grown with the assistance of fertilizers, rather than on reducing absolute emissions. According to the International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA) efforts should be placed on increasing nutrient use ef-ficiency without jeopardising productivity.

It also bears emphasis that fertilizer related GHG emissions can be substantially mitigated as a result of enhancing crop intensity through the use of fertilizers. Fertilizers play a key role in helping to maintain the integrity of the globe’s forests (an essential carbon sink) by allowing for increased productivity on arable land, thus forestalling deforestation and its associated GHG emissions. Fertiliz-ers also increase the carbon sequestration potential of agricultural soils by contribut-ing to the building up of soil organic mat-ter. Increased soil organic matter gener-ates higher nutrient uptake, and nutrients stimulate plant growth, which, in return, contributes to absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere.

Considering that global agricultural out-put would be reduced by 50% without the use of mineral fertilisers, the 2.5% of total GHG emissions related to fertilizers seems rather negligible—especially when com-pared to the 11% directly associated with agriculture and the additional 10% that relate to forestry and other land uses.

Nonetheless, the industry is strongly committed to continue reducing fertiliser-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Industry engagement to limit greenhouse

Fertilisers and climate change

gas emissionThe fertiliser industry works with scien-

tists, farmers, international organizations and governments to develop and adopt innovative agricultural practices that con-tribute to reduce greenhouse gas emis-sions. A large number of programs are developed worldwide to implement soil- and crop-specific nutrient management practices with the objective to optimize product efficacy and minimize nutrient losses to the environment:

Fertiliser best management practices consist in applying the right fertiliser source at the right rate, right time, and right place. This initiative is called the 4Rs.

Research and training on soil analysis al-low for the development of locally adapted protocols on application rates, for instance in relation to the moisture content, pH or temperature of soils.

Precision agriculture offers a range of monitoring technologies that help farmers to apply precisely the right amount and the right type of fertiliser.

Integrated plant nutrient management promotes a better integration of locally available organic nutrient sources such as animal manure and compost with mineral

fertilisers. As far as production-related

emissions are concerned, fer-tiliser manufacturers across the globe have been taking sub-stantial measures to reduce their carbon footprint and continually strive to improve their energy efficiency, as evidenced in IFA’s benchmark results on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, con-sumption of energy by ammonia plants has decreased by more than 15% over the past decade. Overall, fertiliser production has become increasingly efficient over the last several decades due to the adoption of best available technologies.

To facilitate carbon sequestration, the number one priority is to prevent further deforestation through sustainable inten-sification.

Making the most of existing farmland is essential to meet the world’s food security needs and to protect forests from being destroyed, burned and converted to agri-cultural land.

Crop yield intensification has proven to lead to measurable carbon dioxide reductions. However, intensification must be driven by sustainability objectives: To that end, the industry engages in multiple partnerships to disseminate knowledge of responsible, balanced and site-specific fertiliser use.

Intensification does not automatically stand for an increase of fertilisers, but for well-targeted use, illustrated by protocols like “microdosing” (the equivalent of a full bottle cap per seed hole) or the broad development and marketing of “specialty fertilizers”, such as slow- and controlled-release fertilisers. The ultimate aim of correct fertilisation is to increase fertilizer uptake by the plant while reducing losses to the environment.

January 2016 DAFFnews No. 1 10

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Feeding a population of over nine bil-lion people in 2050 is one of the most daunting challenges facing mankind during the remaining years of this century. From the phenomenal global results achieved during the past 16 in South Africa, it is evident that biotech (GM) crops can make a major contri-bution to meet this challenge, said Mr Owen Paterson former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK.

Speaking at the annual South African Agricultural Biotechnology Industry / ISAAA media conference in Pretoria, he said there are currently 870 million chronically hungry people worldwide; the majority in Sub-Saharan Africa. Two billion are malnourished. Biotech crops can make a difference to alleviate hunger and poverty.

In the past 18 years (1996-2013), biotech crops produced an additional 441,4 million tons of food, fibre and feed on existing crop land. If it were not for biotech crops, an additional 132 million ha of conventional crops would have been

required to produce the same tonnage. Significant multiple benefits offered

by biotech crops are not punted by the industry, Paterson continued, but are con-firmed by the latest independent global meta analysis of 147 studies in the last 20 years by German economists, Klumper and Qaim 2014.

They concluded that on average GM technology adoption has reduced chemi-cal pesticide use by 37%, increased crop yields by 22% and boosted farmer profits by 68%. The latest provisional data for 1996 to 2013 showed that crop produc-tion value increased by US$133 billion and from 1996-2012 saved 500 million kg active ingredient of pesticide. In 2013 alone, CO2 emissions were reduced by 28 billion kg, equivalent to taking 12 million cars off the road for one year.

Biotech crops continue to grow at a phenomenal rate. In 2014, according to the ISAAA report, for the 19th consecutive year (16 in South Africa) a record 181.5 million hectares of biotech crops were

grown globally by 18 million farmers in 28 countries (27 in 2013) where more than half the world’s population (4 billion) live. This was an increase of more than six million ha from 2013. One new country, Bangladesh, came on board with the first Bt brinjal.

Of the 28 countries, 20 were develop-ing and eight developed countries. For the third consecutive year developing countries with 16.5 million poor smallholder farm-ers, out of the total of 18 million farmers, planted more biotech crops than industrial countries (1.5 million farmers).

Status in AfricaNearly 805 million people – about one

in every nine and the majority of them children – do not have enough to eat. Many of these poor people live in Africa – the continent with vast but underutilised resources of land, fertile soil and sun.

South Africa continues as the leading biotech country in Africa. Biotech crops – maize, soya and cotton – were grown

A global population of 9 billion people must be fed

to p 11

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on 2,7 million ha (2.9 million in 2013). The drop was primarily due to late onset of rain, lower commodity prices and adoption rate approaching saturation point. Nearly 86% of maize area is GM, soybeans 92% and cotton 100%. Maize is estimated at 2.5 million ha (2.73 million ha 2013). Biotech maize comprised 2.14 million ha (2.36 million 2013).

Soybean plantings in 2014 increased from 520 000 ha to 600 000 ha, with 92% biotech, with all 552 000 ha being herbicide-tolerant trait (92% and 478 000 ha in 2013). Total cotton area is estimated at 9 000 ha (8 000 ha in 2013).

It is estimated that the economic gain from biotech crops for South Africa for the period 1998 to 2012 was US$1.15 billion. In 2012 alone, the gain was US$218.5 million.

South Africa with its 2.7 million ha ranks eighth in the adoption of GMOs after the USA with 73.1 million ha, Brazil second with 42.2 million ha, Argentina third with 24.3 million ha and India and Canada fourth, both with 11.5 million ha.

According to the report steady and promising progress is being made in Africa. Sudan increased Bt cotton hec-tarage by nearly 50%, to 90 000 ha. Burkina Faso is the third African country growing Bt cotton.

It is encouraging to note that seven Afri-can countries in 2014 continued with field trials with a wide range of biotech crops, i.e. Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda. A major breakthrough in Africa was the launch of the first non-GMO drought-tolerant DroughtTEGOTM maize developed by WEMA (Water Efficient Maize for Africa) in conjunction with the African Agricul-tural Technology Foundation (AATF) and Monsanto, who donated the technology royalty-free. Successful trials were con-ducted in South Africa by the Agricultural Research Council.

Trials done in Kenya showed increased yields from 1.8t/ha to 4.5t/ha. The Bt GM drought-tolerant maize is expected to be released in South Africa by 2017.

Yields are expected to increase by 20-35% to produce an additional two million MT of maize in drought years to feed an additional 14-21 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.

EU Developments Five EU countries continued to plant

biotech crops on 143 016 ha (148 013 in 2013). Spain led with 131 538 ha of Bt maize, followed by Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. In ad-dition, the EU imports 30 million tons of grain, more than 90% being biotech, mainly soybeans, soymeal and maize, from the USA and Latin America.

New ProductsNew GM products approved for planting

in 2014 were Innate potato and alfalfa (lu-cerne) USA; brinjal, Bangladesh; HT plus IR soybean, Brazil; and drought-tolerant sugar cane, Indonesia. In the pipeline are some 71 new biotech crops listed for com-mercialisation during the next five years, subject to regulatory approval.

Biotech crops can make contributionfrom p 10

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The smell of garlic can be removed •by running your hands under cold water while rubbing a stainless steel object. Garlic helps strengthen your body’s •defences against allergies, helps loosen plaque from artery walls, helps

The South African Garlic Grow-ers Association is a producers’ organisation that represents the majority of garlic producers in South Africa. The main aim of the association is to uplift the quality and quantity of locally produced garlic. The associa-tion also protects the industry from unfair competition in the form of dumped products.

Garlic is one of the most ver-satile and valuable foods on the planet. However, the garlic sold in our local supermarkets taste like nothing, looks rubbery and yellow. That is because our local producers produce too little garlic of the correct size and quantity, according to Mr Corrie Bezuiden-hout, Chairman of the Garlic Growers Association.

International garlic trade is a huge busi-ness. South Africa imports good quality garlic in large quantities to sell, especially in our supermarkets. Unfortunately, garlic loving consumers are often disappointed when they buy the seemingly nice look-ing bulb in the supermarket; only to end up with a rubbery tasteless clove in their kitchens.

A couple of reasons contribute to the de-grading in smell, taste, texture of imported garlic. One of them being that the garlic is stored for long periods of time, often in artificial cooling conditions intended

Good, fresh garlic

to extend its shelf life. In some cases it is transported over long distances in contain-ers by sea.

All garlic imported into South Africa has to be irradiated before it is released from customs to be sold in the trade. During the irradiation process, almost all of the essential qualities of garlic are lost. The taste and smell are almost gone as well. It is lifeless and it is not supposed to ger-minate.

The active compound in garlic is the sulphur compound called allicin. Allicin is a chemical produced when garlic is chopped, chewed or bruised. Allicin is quite powerful as an antibiotic and a po-tent agent that helps the body to inhibit the

ability of germs to grow and reproduce. Most of this is lost by the time the imported bulb lands on the supper tables of South African consumers.

But why is South Africa not producing enough garlic? According to Mr Bezuiden-hout, it is not easy to start a garlic business. It takes serious long term planning and dedication to become a successful garlic grower. It is labour intensive, and to stick a little clove into the soil and wait for six months, hoping to harvest a good quality garlic bulb requires a special kind of farmer.

A document drawn up by the Depart-ment of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries titled Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Garlic Intended for Sale in South Africa, aims to regulate the manner in which all locally produced and imported garlic is supposed to be packaged and sold. One of the biggest arguments of importers is that there is not enough garlic of good quality available for local consumption.

Mr Bezuidenhout concluded by asserting that it is possible to make a good living out of growing garlic as a side crop, provided that you succeed in delivering the quality that the market requires.

to regulate your blood sugar levels and is also a good choice for killing and expelling parasites such as pin worms from the humal body.I your rose garden is under attack by •aphids, an excellent home remedy is to use a mixture of crushed garlic in

water and spray it on the leaves and blooms.The physiological term for fear of •garlic is alliumphobia.Drinking lemon juice or eating a few •slices of lemon will stop bad garlic breath.

Garlic, interesting facts