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Grain SA members yesterday received communication on COVID-19 Permits and Updates. All active Grain SA members have received the necessary documentation, included the Confirmation of Employment in the Agricultural Sector-permit issued to farmers and farm workers required to travel to and from work and to transport agricultural supplies, produce etc.
Members can generate a permit to download or print from the following link: https://covid19cert.grainsa.co.za/
A high probability exist that these requirements might be amended and Grain SA members are urged to regularly monitor the official Grain SA communication channels for updates.
A lot of confusing and contradiction messages are circulating with regards to the national lockdown, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, pertaining specifically to essential services. The lockdown comes into effect at midnight, Thursday 26 March 2020 for 21 days. Several businesses will be effected but the agricultural and food supply sector is classified as one of the essential services for livelihood and will therefore remain operational. This includes the entire food value chain, from farm-related operations, agro-processing, food manufacturing, logistics, wholesale and retail services and its various support functions that ensure efficient delivery of the agro-food system, as stated by Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza.
Grain SA members also received Certificate of Membership as proof of being a bona fide farmer and an active member of the organisation. This has been made available as an extra measure if proof of membership is required in addition to the permits. Furthermore, members can utilise their Grain SA electronic membership card (JOYN) indicating that they are part of an essential service.