2015 filled with challenges

January 2015

JANNIE DE VILLIERS, uitvoerende hoofbestuurder/CEO

The December holiday period for me is a time of reflection on where I am with regard to various aspects of my life and to take a view of the year ahead. Our family spends at least a few days alone somewhere in the mountains or in the bush to discuss our relationships with each other and to share our goals for the new year with one another.

Spiritual goals; academic goals and relationship goals are the matters that we share among ourselves in earnest and hold one another accountable for. We also talk about the year that has passed and how we have fared. 2015 is truly going to be a difficult year with regard to the work environment.

The two issues that we will have to deal with right at the beginning of the year are the implementation of the land reform policy and a good take off in respect of social economic labour matters.

2015 will also be a watershed year with regard to organised agriculture to restructure and take a new road. Grain SA will furthermore not escape reviewing our structures in depth and making the necessary adjustments for the years ahead. Such adjustments are never easy, but are the things which are essential to bring about new growth.

2015 will most likely yield a record soybean crop and introduce a new dispensation for the wheat industry. All nice and good prospects. Our relationship with the state has also yielded new “crops” and better yields.

After a number of years of cooperation, South Africa has at last signed an agreement with China which means that we can now deliver maize to them. Our former chairperson, Mr Neels Ferreira, and minister Tina, initiated the work which has now at last been completed. Thank you to all who have worked hard to make this possible.

How would we know how many of our other longer term goals (such as biofuels) might also come to fruition in 2015? It is definitely also going to be a big watershed year for Grain SA’s agricultural development programme. Each day, more and more thunder clouds are brewing on the horizon that has totally other ideas about development programmes than what we are currently engaged in. This is a pity.

I am, however, full of hope that the team of leaders, staff and members of Grain SA will be prepared to face these challenges successfully. What I am wholly convinced of is that we cannot pull through without you as members’ support and prayers. We again plan to hold regional meetings in your area early in 2015 to share our dreams and problems with each other so that we may tackle the new year as a team.

For 2015 we are definitely going to need guts, bravery, inventiveness and perseverance. Our ability to address various issues simultaneously will be ultimately put to the test. Be sure to increase productivity while working on serious issues such as transformation in all areas.

All the best for the year ahead. Grain SA is with you!

Publication: January 2015

Section: Features