Public affairs
In our endevours to expand and promote the image of agriculture, liaison with our ministry remains a top priority. Since the reshuffling of the cabinet earlier this year, we are happy to report that the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has been a keen champion of Grain SA’s initiatives and attended both the Maclear office inauguration and the Grain Producer of the Year awards. This, coupled with cooperation between the CEO’s office and the ministry, provides Grain SA with ample opportunity to further promote the interest of our grain producers and the image of the agriculutural sector.
Social media
Grain SA continued to develop its social media communication capability. The social media strategy describes how Grain SA should communicate online, to whom and when. The use of social media for an organisation builds communities for increased loyalty and communication between members, with various studies indicating that social media is the most popular activity online.
Our social media objectives:
- Information transfer – engage with members in a direct, personal manner to share news and market information.
- Community building and engagement – establish networks without barriers and constraints.
- Brand awareness and reputation management – monitor forums and conversations and measure content exposure.
- Education – educating the general public on Grain SA’s service offerings, mission, vision, values and principles.
- Search engine optimisation – building a far-reaching online presence by simplifying content sharing between our target audience and their networks.
We have increased our activity on Twitter to offer more news and had special initiatives to tweet during the 2014 Congress, NAMPO Harvest Day, and the Agri Mega Week. In addition, Twitter is used by the Grain SA economists to successfully distribute the morning and afternoon daily market reports, as well as a weekly fuel report. Since the establishment of the Twitter account in June 2014, the @GrainSA account has grown to 285 followers by the end of December 2014.
The Grain SA Facebook page has increased from 274 followers in January to a total of 1 000 in the second week of December 2014. This platform is more popular and members interact with the organisation and fellow community members on a daily basis. The Grain SA YouTube channel has also been established and all video content is shared with the public.
Broadcast media
Radio
The biweekly radio show on RSG continued until May, when the morning agricultural show was discontinued by the broadcaster. Whilst on air, Grain SA participated in a number of interviews, ensuring that producers and the public are kept abreast of the most important news.
Television
Grain SA produced a brand new television advert, aimed at the general public and based on the sentiment that “Farmers feed life!” This advert was aired on kykNET as part of the “Nation in Conversation” series during the month of August 2014. The advert was well-received and was produced in such a manner that the theme can be expanded in future.
Which events did we host?
Grains SA hosted various events and leveraged the opportunity to communicate and network with the media, government representatives, suppliers and the public at large.
NAMPO Harvest Day
This year, Grain SA members were welcomed by the newly unveiled member’s hall. This exclusive facility, set up to improve each member’s NAMPO experience, provided daily access to the live Safex markets in addition to the popular “Nation in Conversation” broadcasts. Members also had the opportunity to rub shoulders with a couple of celebrities, including some of the Cheetah rugby players. These meetings are part of the character of the Harvest Day and suit the convivial atmosphere that is felt by all who attend the Harvest Day.
This year’s Grain SA exhibition’s theme Food Security – feeding the Next Generation focussed on showcasing how the organisation support grain producers to ensure sustainable and profitable operations, whilst contributing to household and food security. The Premier of the Western Cape and Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Ms Helen Zille, visited the Grain SA exhibition and showed considerable interest in its Farmer Development programme. Furthermore, discussions with diplomatic dignitaries and governmental representatives encompassed the concept of growing more food with fewer resources.
Nation in Conversation
In line with Grain SA’s vision, we partnered in the popular “Nation in Conversation” initiative, hosted by Senwes and presented by the economist, Theo Vorster. These daily panel discussions covered topics, which included the producer value chain; the historic lay of the land for agribusinesses; organised agriculture as commercial organisations; and a future-focussed approach to the role of multi-national organisations in the development of the agricultural sector.
Maclear regional office inauguration
A highlight on the Grain SA events calendar during the year was the inauguration of its third regional office in Maclear, Eastern Cape, during August 2014. Attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, and the honourable Mayor as well as a host of other dignitaries, the event was a wonderful networking opportunity for all stakeholders, grain producers and the community at large. Sending a strong message of support to grain producers, the minister in his address ensured all stakeholders that farming has a future and that agriculture will feed the nation.
Day of Celebration and Grain Producer of the Year
Grain SA celebrated the successes of its grain producers during two prestigious celebratory events, held in Bloemfontein and Midrand on 2 October and 17 October 2014 respectively. These events offer Grain SA the opportunity to honour the development, growth and achievements of its emerging and commercial grain producers. The development and accomplishments of emerging grain producers are of utmost importance to the organisation and the Day of Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate farmer development, recognise excellence in the field and above all, acknowledge transformation in grain production.
The 2014 Grain SA/Absa New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year was awarded to Mr Ralph Swart of Swart Boerdery situated in Elim, Western Cape. Swart, the first ever finalist and subsequent winner from the Western Cape, produces wheat, barley, oats, triticale and rooibos tea and has been farming on his own for the past 33 years and is the third generation farming on the same land. Swart has a passion for agriculture and is a true entrepreneur, always willing to assist smaller producers in his area with equipment and advice. The other finalists in this category were Messrs Pieter Chabalala from Puthaditjhaba, Michael Ramoholi from Theunissen and Job Metswamere from Delareyville.
The 2014 Grain SA/Syngenta Smallholder Farmer of the Year was awarded to Me Lungelwa Kama from Maclear in the Eastern Cape. Kama started farming by buying a small herd of cattle and due to a lack of grazing, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform made a farm and a few implements available to her – just what she needed to start off on her path towards commercial farming. Kama has since been able to rent an additional 70 ha of good arable land in addition to the 35 ha she received from the department and this year planted 100 ha of maize, with expected yields in some areas exceeding 8 tons/ha.
The other finalists in this category were the Dwaalkraal Co-operative from Sannieshof, Mr Langa Simon Mbele from Bergville and Mr Willem Modukanele from Welkom.
The 2014 Grain SA/Absa Subsistence Farmer of the Year was awarded to Mr Enoch Khumalo from Piet Retief. Khumalo grew up in a rural area and worked on a farm for about 30 years, mainly working with sheep and cattle. In 2009 he joined the Donkerhoek study group when it was formed, whilst also attending various training courses. This year, Khumalo planted 3 ha and although he has access to 6 ha, a lack of funds hindered his plans to plant the entire area. Even so, the planted crop responded well to his management skills, with expectations to harvest in excess of 6 ton/ha.
The other finalists in this category were Mss Gladys Phatheleni Zondo and Thoko Matha Mofokeng, both from Winterton. Commemorating the 15th year of the gala awards, since replacing the previous Maize Man of the Year in 2000, Grain SA celebrated the successes of its commercial grain producers in addition to commending emerging producers for their outstanding achievements during this prestigious gala event.
The 2014 Grain SA/Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year was awarded to Mr Richard Carey Hobson of Nonen Ranch, situated in Setlagole in the North West Province. After completion of his studies, Hobson started farming with his father, Carey, on the farm Papiesvlakte, and following the acquisition of Nonen Ranch in Setlagole in 2002, took full responsibility for the farming operations and its subsequent significant expansion. Under the expert management of Richard, the farming operation forms an integral part of the Botselo Holdings group, comprising 10 450 hectares, spread over the three farms, namely Nonen Ranch, Papiesvlakte and Lawn. Botselo Farming forms part of Botselo Holdings, which includes Botselo Mills, Botselo Grain and Botselo Carriers. In 2006 Richard started with conservation agriculture that led to significant increases in the profitability and sustainability of each of his diversifications.
The other finalists in this category were Mr Trevor Egon Zunckel from Bergville and the Blanckenberg family from Durbanville.
In addition to these awards, Grain SA also honoured the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) with an Inspiration Award, received by Prof Ferdi Meyer, Director of BFAP, in appreciation of their continuous contributions to the grain industry, excelling to achieve extraordinary results and inspiring the industry to be more competitive in its commitment to excellence.
Grain SA further honoured three of its former management members in recognition for outstanding leadership. Recognition to the previous Chairperson of Grain SA, Mr Neels Ferreira, as the highest honour bestowed by Grain SA, was awarded for his vision and outstanding leadership, locally and internationally, in the interest of all grain and oilseed producers of South Africa. Mr Gert Pretorius (posthumous) was honoured for his leadership in the unification and establishment of Grain SA. His outstanding contribution to the oilseed industry in particular, locally and internationally was recognised. Mr Willie Pretorius received the honour on behalf of his late father. Mr Fanie van Zyl was honoured for his leadership as Member of the Grain SA Executive and as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee, for his ground breaking work in the establishment of best management practices and the development of policies and procedures for Grain SA.
Agri Mega Week 2014
The Grain SA members’ tent at this year’s event once again proved very popular with our members. Over and above the informal networking opportunities, several interactions with key role-players were scheduled and meetings took place with the Farmworkers Forum, collection agents, media representatives and mentors. Grain SA in cooperation with Nedbank, also presented an informative agricultural debate about the future of wheat, barley and canola industries from the buyer’s perspective with a panel consisting of Premier Foods, SAB, SOILL, and headed by Grain SA.
Other events
In addition to these events, Grain SA further participated in the following events and charity drives:
- The Senwes Young Farmers’ Future Focus Day
- Maize delivery outreach action, to those affected by the miners’ strike in Rustenburg
- 67 Minutes for Mandela Day
How do we support our marketing initiatives?
Marketing communication
In support of stakeholder and member engagement interventions, branded material such as memory sticks, key rings, corporate gifts and corporate clothing, etc. were produced and distributed to target audiences. The majority of marketing communication elements are distributed as gifts with selected items used during promotional activities.
What do we do online?
Website
Grain SA continued to utilise its website to effectively communicate electronically with its members, stakeholders and the general public. The website content is updated continuously and articles and press releases on the work Grain SA is doing, including how it collaborates with government, academic and public structures are publicised. The Grain SA website is maintained on a weekly basis with information reviewed regularly in support of communication strategies.
How do we measure ourselves?
Monitoring and evaluation
In order to ensure the continued relevance of work done, the monitoring and evaluation of public relations and marketing communication activities and initiatives are ongoing. Grain SA monitors its media mentions, as well as those of its Members of the Executive on a daily basis, providing the opportunity to respond where necessary – to keep abreast of local and international news.
Commodity levy
Change in levy
Looking back, 2014 was definitely a historical year. During Congress 2014 a proposal was made to increase the voluntary levy and also to introduce a new differentiated levy per crop. This followed after the levy fund had closed negatively for the third consecutive year. Like any organisation, Grain SA experiences inflation-related cost increases. A combination of the reduction in the funding for research and development from certain agricultural trusts and the fact that the levy per ton had remained unchanged at R2 per ton since its inception in 2002 made an increase in the levy unavoidable.
A proposal was made to Congress to increase the levy in October 2014, but Congress decided unanimously that the new levy had to come into effect in March 2014, as record harvests had been anticipated. Consequently the levy fund is restored to a surplus that enables Grain SA to continue with its necessary activities.
Great appreciation is expressed towards members of Grain SA who regularly pay their levies, thus ensuring that organisations like Grain SA can exist to promote and protect producers’ interests.
Membership of Grain SA
The Constitution of Grain SA makes provision for commercial, as well as study group members. In terms of the Constitution, membership for commercial members is subject to the payment of a commodity levy per ton on all grain produced, with a minimum amount of R1 000 plus VAT payable for full membership.
The current levy per ton per crop is as follows: |
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Openbare betrekkinge
In ons pogings om die beeld van landbou uit te brei en te bevorder, bly skakeling met ons ministerie ’n topprioriteit. Ons is trots om te rapporteer dat die Minister van Landbou, Bosbou en Visserye sedert die skommeling van die kabinet vroeër hierdie jaar ’n groot voorstander van Graan SA se inisiatiewe was en die opening van die Maclear-kantoor sowel as die Graanprodusent van die Jaar-toekennings bygewoon het. Dit, tesame met die samewerking tussen die Uitvoerende Hoofbestuurder se kantoor en die ministerie, gee aan Graan SA voldoende geleentheid om die belange van ons graanprodusente en die beeld van die landbousektor verder te bevorder.
Sosiale media
Graan SA het voortgegaan om sy sosiale media-kommunikasievermoë te ontwikkel. Die sosialemedia-strategie beskryf hoe, met wie en wanneer Graan SA aanlyn moet kommunikeer. Die gebruik van sosiale media vir ’n organisasie bou gemeenskappe vir groter lojaliteit en kommunikasie tussen lede, met verskillende studies wat aandui dat sosiale media die gewildste aktiwiteit aanlyn is.
Ons sosialemedia-doelwitte:
- Inligtingoordrag – raak op ’n direkte, persoonlike manier by lede betrokke om nuus en markinligting te deel.
- Gemeenskapsbou en -betrokkenheid – vorm netwerke sonder versperrings en beperkings.
- Handelsmerkbewustheid en reputasiebestuur – moniteer forums en gesprekke en meet inhoudblootstelling.
- Opvoeding – voed die algemene publiek op oor Graan SA se diensaanbiedings, missie, visie, waardes en beginsels.
- Soekenjinoptimalisering – bou ’n verreikende aanlyn teenwoordigheid deur die deel van inligting tussen ons teikengehoor en hulle netwerke te vereenvoudig.
Ons het ons aktiwiteit op Twitter vermeerder om meer nuus te verskaf en het spesiale inisiatiewe bekend gestel om tydens die 2014 Kongres, NAMPO Oesdag en die Agri Megaweek te twiet. Graan SA se ekonome gebruik Twitter ook om met sukses soggens en smiddags die daaglikse markverslae en ’n weeklikse brandstofverslag te versprei. Sedert die vestiging van die Twitter-rekening in Junie 2014 het die @GrainSA-rekening tot 285 volgelinge teen einde Desember 2014 gegroei.
Die Graan SA Facebook-blad se volgelinge het vanaf 274 in Januarie tot ’n totaal van 1 000 in die tweede week van Desember 2014 gegroei. Hierdie platform is meer gewild en lede bly op ’n daaglikse basis met die organisasie en medegemeenskapslede in verbinding.
Die Graan SA YouTube-kanaal is ook gevestig en alle video-inhoud word met die publiek gedeel.
Uitsaaimedia
Radio
Die tweeweeklikse radioprogram op RSG het voortgeduur tot in Mei, toe die uitsaaier die landbouprogram gestaak het. Terwyl dit op die lug was, het Graan SA aan ’n aantal onderhoude deelgeneem en verseker dat produsente en die publiek op hoogte bly van die belangrikste nuus.
Televisie
Graan SA het ’n splinternuwe televisie-advertensie geproduseer wat op die algemene publiek gemik is en gegrond is op die gedagte “Produsente voed lewe” (“Farmers feed life!”). Hierdie advertensie is in Augustus 2014 as deel van die “Nasie in Gesprek”-reeks op kykNET vertoon. Die advertensie is goed ontvang en so geproduseer dat die tema in die toekoms uitgebrei kan word.
Watter gebeurtenisse het ons aangebied?
Graan SA het verskeie funksies aangebied en die geleentheid benut om met die media, regeringsverteenwoordigers, verskaffers en die algemene publiek te kommunikeer en netwerke te bou.
NAMPO Oesdag
Graan SA-lede is hierdie jaar die nuut-onthulde ledelokaal verwelkom. Hierdie eksklusiewe gerief, wat verskaf is om elke lid se NAMPO-ervaring te verbeter, het daaglikse toegang tot die lewendige Safex-markte gebied asook regstreekse uitsendings van die gewilde “Nasie in Gesprek”. Lede het ook die geleentheid gehad om in die geselskap te verkeer van glanspersoonlikhede, insluitende sommige van die Cheetah-rugbyspelers. Hierdie ontmoetings is deel van die aard van die Oesdag en pas by die gemoedelike atmosfeer wat ervaar word deur almal wat die Oesdag bywoon.
Hierdie jaar het Graan SA se uitstallingstema, Voedselsekerheid – voed die volgende geslag, daarop gefokus om uit te beeld hoe die organisasie graanprodusente ondersteun om volhoubare en winsgewende bedrywighede te verseker en terselfdertyd tot huishoudelike en voedselsekerheid by te dra. Die Premier van die Wes-Kaap en Leier van die Demokratiese Alliansie (DA), me. Helen Zille, het die Graan SA-uitstalling besoek en heelwat belangstelling in die Ontwikkelende Landbou-program getoon. Gesprekke met diplomatieke hooggeplaastes en regeringsverteenwoordigers het verder die konsep ingesluit om meer voedsel met minder hulpbronne te produseer.
Nasie in Gesprek
In ooreenstemming met Graan SA se visie het ons as vennoot betrokke geraak by die “Nasie in Gesprek”-inisiatief, wat deur Senwes geborg en deur die ekonoom Theo Vorster aangebied is. Hierdie daaglikse paneelbesprekings het onderwerpe gedek wat die produsentewaardeketting; die historiese omgewing vir landbou-ondernemings; georganiseerde landbou as kommersiële organisasies; en ’n benadering tot die rol van multinasionale organisasies in die ontwikkeling van die landbousektor in die toekoms ingesluit het.
Inhuldiging van die Maclear-streekskantoor
’n Hoogtepunt op die Graan SA-gebeurteniskalender hierdie jaar was die inhuldiging van die derde streekskantoor in Maclear in die Oos-Kaap in Augustus 2014. Die geleentheid is deur die Minister van Landbou, Bosbou en Visserye, die Oos-Kaapse LUR vir Landelike Ontwikkeling en Landbouhervorming, die burgemeester en talle ander hooggeplaastes bygewoon, en was ’n wonderlike netwerkgeleentheid vir alle belanghebbendes, graanprodusente en die gemeenskap self. Met ’n sterk boodskap van steun aan graanprodusente het die minister in sy toespraak alle belanghebbendes verseker dat boerdery ’n toekoms het, en dat landbou die nasie sal voed.
Dag van Feesvieringe en Graanprodusent van die Jaar
Graan SA het die suksesse van sy graanprodusente tydens twee prestigegeleenthede op 2 Oktober en 17 Oktober 2014 in Bloemfontein en Midrand onderskeidelik gevier. Hierdie gebeurtenisse bied aan Graan SA die geleentheid om die ontwikkeling, groei en prestasies van sy opkomende en kommersiële graanprodusente te beloon. Die ontwikkeling en prestasies van opkomende graanprodusente is uiters belangrik vir die organisasie, en die Dag van Feesvieringe is ’n geleentheid om landbou-ontwikkeling te vier, uitnemendheid in die veld te beloon, en bowenal transformasie in graanproduksie te erken.
Die 2014 Graan SA/Absa Nuwe Era Kommersiële Boer van die Jaar-toekenning is gemaak aan mnr Ralph Swart van die Swart Boerdery in Elim, Wes-Kaap. Swart, die eerste finalis en daarna wenner uit die Wes-Kaap ooit, produseer koring, gars, hawer, korog en rooibostee en boer reeds die afgelope 33 jaar op sy eie. Hy is die derde geslag wat op dieselfde grond boer. Swart het ’n passie vir landbou en is ’n ware entrepreneur wat altyd bereid is om kleiner produsente in die omgewing met toerusting en advies by te staan. Die ander finaliste in hierdie kategorie was mnre. Pieter Chabalala van Puthaditjhaba, Michael Ramoholi van Theunissen en Job Metswamere van Delareyville.
Die 2014 Graan SA/Syngenta Kleinboer van die Jaar-toekenning is gemaak aan me Lungelwa Kama van Maclear in die Oos-Kaap. Kama het begin boer deur ’n klein trop beeste te koop. As gevolg van ’n gebrek aan weiding het die Departement van Landelike Ontwikkeling en Grondhervorming ’n plaas en ’n paar implemente tot haar beskikking gestel – net wat sy nodig gehad het om haar op haar pad na kommersiële boerdery te plaas. Sedertdien het Kama daarin geslaag om ’n bykomende 70 ha goeie bewerkbare grond te huur om die 35 ha wat sy van die departement ontvang het, aan te vul. Sy het hierdie jaar 100 ha mielies geplant, met verwagte opbrengste in sommige areas van meer as 8 ton/ha.
Die ander finaliste in hierdie kategorie was die Dwaalkraal Koöperasie van Sannieshof, mnr. Langa Simon Mbele van Bergville en mnr Willem Modukanele van Welkom.
Die 2014 Graan SA/Absa Bestaansboer van die Jaar-toekenning het gegaan aan mnr Enoch Khumalo van Piet Retief. Khumalo het in ’n landelike gebied grootgeword en vir ongeveer 30 jaar lank op ’n plaas gewerk, hoofsaaklik met skape en beeste. In 2009 het hy by die Donkerhoek-studiegroep aangesluit toe dit gestig is, en ook verskeie opleidingskursusse bygewoon. Hierdie jaar het Khumalo 3 ha aangeplant, en hoewel hy toegang tot 6 ha het, het ’n gebrek aan fondse sy planne om die hele gebied aan te plant, in die wiele gery. Die aangeplante gewasse het nietemin goed op sy bestuursvaardighede gereageer, en hy verwag om meer as 6 ton/ha te oes.
Die ander finaliste in hierdie kategorie was mee Gladys Phatheleni Zondo en Thoko Matha Mofokeng, albei van Winterton. Ter viering van die 15de jaar van die galatoekennings sedert dit die vorige Mielieman van die Jaar-toekenning in 2000 vervang het, het Graan SA tydens hierdie prestigegalageleentheid die suksesse van sy kommersiële graanprodusente gevier, en opkomende produsente vir hulle uitstaande prestasies geloof.
Die toekenning 2014 Graan SA/Syngenta Graanprodusent van die Jaar is gemaak aan mnr Richard Carey Hobson van Nonen Ranch, geleë in Setlagole in die Noordwesprovinsie. Na voltooiing van sy studies, het Hobson saam met sy pa, Carey, op die plaas Papiesvlakte begin boer, en na die aankoop van Nonen Ranch in Setlagole in 2002, was Richard ten volle verantwoordelik vir die boederybedrywighede en die daaropvolgende beduidende uitbreidings daarna aanvaar. Onder Richard se kundige bestuur vorm die boerderybedrywighede ’n integrale deel van die Botselo Holdings-groep, wat 10 450 hektaar beslaan en oor drie plase, naamlik Nonen Ranch, Papiesvlakte en Lawn, strek. Botselo Farming vorm deel van Botselo Holdings, wat Botselo Mills, Botselo Grain en Botselo Carriers insluit. Richard het in 2006 met bewaringslandboupraktyke begin, wat tot 'n beduidende toename in die winsgewendheid en volhoubaarheid van elkeen van sy diversifiserings gelei het.
Die ander finaliste in hierdie kategorie was mnr. Trevor Egon Zunckel van Bergville en die Blanckenberg-familie van Durbanville.
Benewens hierdie toekennings het Graan SA ook die Buro vir Voedsel- en Landboubeleid (BFAP) met ’n Inspirasietoekenning vereer. Dit is deur prof Ferdi Meyer, Direkteur van die BFAP, in ontvangs geneem, en toon waardering vir hulle deurlopende bydraes tot die graanbedryf, uitnemendheid in die versekering van buitengewone resultate en inspirasie vir die bedryf om meer mededingend te wees in sy verbintenis tot uitnemendheid.
Graan SA het ook drie van sy voormalige bestuurslede ter erkenning van sy uitnemende leierskap vereer. Die hoogste eer wat deur Graan SA betoon kan word, is verleen aan die vorige voorsitter van Graan SA, mnr Neels Ferreira, vir sy visie en uitnemende leierskap, plaaslik en internasionaal, in die belang van alle graan- en oliesaadprodusente van Suid-Afrika ontvang het. Mnr Gert Pretorius is postuum vereer vir sy leierskap in die vereniging en vestiging van Graan SA. Sy uitstaande bydrae tot die oliesaadbedryf in die besonder – plaaslik en internasionaal – is erken. Mnr Willie Pretorius het die toekenning namens sy oorlede vader ontvang. Mnr Fanie van Zyl is vereer vir sy leierskap as Graan SA-hoofbestuurslid en, as die Voorsitter van die Ouditkomitee, vir sy pionierswerk in die vestiging van beste bestuurspraktyke en die ontwikkeling van beleide en prosedures vir Graan SA.
Agri Megaweek 2014
Graan SA se tent by hierdie jaar se geleentheid was weer eens baie gewild onder ons lede. Bo en behalwe die informele netwerkgeleenthede, is verskeie interaksies met sleutelrolspelers geskeduleer, en vergaderings met die Plaaswerkersforum, invorderingsagente, mediaverteenwoordigers en mentors het plaasgevind. Graan SA, in samewerking met Nedbank, het ook ’n insiggewende landboudebat oor die toekoms van die koring-, gars- en kanolabedryf vanuit die koper se perspektief aangebied, met ’n paneel bestaande uit Premier Foods, SAB en SOILL, met Graan SA aan die hoof, wat deelgeneem het.
Ander gebeure
Bykomend tot hierdie gebeure het Graan SA ook aan die volgende gebeure en liefdadigheidsgeleenthede deelgeneem:
- Die Senwes Jongboer Toekomsfokusdag
- Uitreikingsaksie met mielie-aflewerings aan diegene wat deur die mynwerkerstaking in Rustenburg geraak is
- 67 Minute vir Mandela Dag
Hoe ondersteun ons ons bemarkingsinisiatiewe?
Bemarkingskommunikasie
Ter ondersteuning van belanghebbendes en lede se betrokkenheidsintervensies, is handelsmerkmateriaal soos geheuestafies, sleutelringe, korporatiewe geskenke en korporatiewe kleredrag geproduseer en onder teikengehore uitgedeel. Die meeste van die bemarkingskommunikasie-elemente word as geskenke uitgedeel, met sekere items wat tydens promosie-aktiwiteite gebruik word.
Wat doen ons aanlyn?
Webtuiste
Graan SA het voortgegaan om sy webtuiste te gebruik om doeltreffend elektronies met sy lede, belanghebbendes en die algemene publiek te kommunikeer. Die webtuiste se inhoud word deurlopend bygewerk en artikels en persvrystellings oor die werk wat Graan SA doen, insluitende hoe dit met die regering, akademiese en openbare strukture saamwerk, word gepubliseer. Die Graan SA- webtuiste word weekliks bygewerk, met inligting wat gereeld nagegaan word om seker te maak dat dit kommunikasiestrategieë ondersteun.
Hoe meet ons onsself?
Monitering en evaluering
Ten einde te verseker dat die werk wat gedoen word, relevant bly, word openbare betrekkinge en bemarkingskommunikasie-aktiwiteite deurlopend gemoniteer en geëvalueer. Graan SA moniteer sy mediavermelding sowel as dié van die lede van sy Hoofbestuur op ’n daaglikse grondslag, en dit verskaf die geleentheid om te reageer waar nodig en om op hoogte te bly van plaaslike en internasionale nuus.
Bedryfsheffing
Verandering in heffing
As ons terugkyk op die 2014-jaar dan is dit verseker ‘n jaar vir die geskiedenisboeke. Tydens Kongres 2014 is voorgestel om die vrywillige heffing te verhoog en ook ‘n nuwe gedifferensieerde heffing per gewas in te stel. Dit volg na die heffingsfonds vir die afgelope drie jaar in ‘n negatief afgesluit het. Soos enige ander organisasie ervaar Graan SA inflasionêre styging in kostes. Saam met die vermindering in die befondsing van navorsing en ontwikkeling vanuit sekere landboutrusts en die feit dat die heffing per ton sedert die instelling daarvan in 2002 onveranderd op R2 per ton gebly het, was ‘n verhoging in die heffing onvermydelik.
‘n Voorstel is aan Kongres gemaak om die heffing in Oktober 2014 te verhoog, maar Kongres het eenstemmig besluit dat die heffing alreeds in Maart 2014 in werking moes tree aangesien rekordoeste aan die kom was. Die resultaat is dat die heffingsfonds weer herstel is ná ‘n surplussituasie wat Graan SA in staat stel om met die nodige werksaamhede voort te gaan.
Groot dank word uitgespreek aan lede van Graan SA wat getrou hul heffings betaal en sodoende verseker dat daar organisasies soos Graan SA kan wees, wat produsente se belange bevorder en beskerm.
Lidmaatskap van Graan SA
Die Grondwet van Graan SA maak voorsiening vir kommersiële lede sowel as studiegroeplede. In terme van die Grondwet is lidmaatskap vir kommersiële lede onderhewig aan die betaling van ‘n bedryfsheffing per ton op alle graan geproduseer, met ‘n minimum bedrag van R1 000 plus BTW betaalbaar vir volwaardige lidmaatskap.
Die huidige heffing per ton per gewas is soos volg: |
