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THE
GRAIN AND OILSEED INDUSTRY
OF SOUTH AFRICA – A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
ႆ
The developing farmers used the formalised network of communication to discuss
their issues with market access to commercial markets. Immediate support was
given and efforts were made to introduce the developing farmers to buyers and to
ensure that they were able to negotiate fair, market-related prices for their produce.
NOPO did not broker any of the deals, but rather acted in an advisory capacity. Other
networking and communication opportunities for developing farmers presented
themselves in time. NOPO met with the Department of Agriculture in North West,
Mpumalanga, Free State and the Northern Province. It also conveyed the needs of
the farmers to input providers, to inform them of the farmers’ unique circumstances
and requirements. For example, some seed companies started marketing seed in
smaller packaging since the standard size bags were too large and too expensive
for smaller farmers.
NOPO also launched a Developing Sunflower and Groundnut Producer of the Year
Award. The purpose of this was to give recognition for excellence to developing
producers. Criteria taken into account for the recognition was production practices,
involvement of the farmer with study groups and support by the farmer to co-
producers in the region (see Table 3: Awards made by NOPO in 1999 in Chapter 5). In
May 1999 the award was presented at the awards function, to Mr Edmund Tsogang
of the Genesa Study Group as Developing Groundnut Producer of the Year. The
award for the Developing Sunflower Producer of the Year was presented to Mr Basie
Ntsimane, member of the Bafokeng North Study Group.
NOPO extended a sincere hand of friendship to the new oilseed producers. The
response to this project was huge and it soon became clear that the needs of
developing producers far exceeded available capacity.
When the different grain producer organisations amalgamated to form the new
Grain Producers Organisation, the momentum in development was maintained
and the NOPO development model was continued there. Mr Basie Ntsimane went
from NOPO to Grain SA becoming a member of the Executive of Grain SA.
EMPOWERING EMERGING DEVELOPING
MAIZE FARMERS: NAMPO
In 1994 NAMPO partnered with the ARC-GCI and Omnia to initiate a programme
intended to empower black farmers and assist them towards commercialisation.
The compilation of a booklet, ’A Key to Successful Farming’ which discussed
fundamental aspects of maize production such as soil as a resource, climate,
crop production and marketing was published in 1996. The response was
enthusiastic and revealed a hunger amongst developing farmers to learn more
and improve their skills.
Clearly further support structures needed to be established with study groups
where the farmers’ issues could be addressed. The vision for the programme
The masthead of the first NOPO/
Pula
newsletter.
Ms Jane McPherson
Mr Basie Ntsimane