The Southern African Macadamia Growers’ Association has undergone major changes, breaking away from Subtrop to become an independent entity and introducing statutory levies. Lindi Botha spoke to newly appointed CEO Lizel Pretorius about the association’s future.
WHAT WAS BEHIND THE DECISION TO BREAK AWAY FROM SUBTROP AND FORM AN INDEPENDENT, NONPROFIT INDUSTRY BODY?
The macadamia industry in South Africa has grown rapidly over the past few years. This has brought about a need for a fulltime team focusing specifically on macadamias to address potential challenges and explore opportunities, especially in research, market development and stakeholder communication. An evolution committee was established to guide the South African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC) breakaway from Subtrop and decide on its key objectives. The most important resolution to come out of the committee was to ensure that SAMAC was an independent organisation that could mitigate risk in the orchards and markets, and explore new opportunities to increase both demand and supply of macadamia nuts.
SAMAC’s main aim is to build and maintain a lean, profitable organisation. This will require sound financial governance and administration, driven by benchmarking remuneration levels and policies, and by evaluating performance annually. To increase efficiency, the board has been reduced from 13 to six directors, plus the CEO. They have been assigned portfolios that align with their specific skill sets.
The idea of forming a non-profit company was not anticipated initially, but we wanted to ensure better corporate governance and transparency for our members, particularly as our funding would increase significantly in the near future with the renewal of the statutory levy.
Delivering value for the levies is paramount. This includes ensuring that growers have access to the latest research on macadamia production; investigating new technologies to assist farmers; representing South Africa on the global stage, thus ensuring the country remains the supplier of choice for macadamia nuts; and utilising all opportunities to open new markets.
Esta historia es de la edición November 16, 2018 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 16, 2018 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The oxwagon: a symbol of work, endurance and innovation
The oxwagon has become synonymous with the Great Trek, but few people know that the oxen bartered by the Khoikhoi were actually well-trained animals that responded to voice commands. Lucille Davie reports.
How to treat horses suffering from piroplasmosis
Babesia equi in horses is a notifiable disease in parts of the US, but not in South Africa. It causes fatal anaemia, warns Dr Mac.
All-electric 'Jaecoo's Jimny' is coming to SA!
This cute all-electric off-roader is on its way to South Africa and we've had a quick drive. Here's all you need to know about the Jaecoo J6.
Practical guidelines to prevent stock theft
Laurence Palmer, a security consultant, lists some practical advice that farmers can follow to prevent stock theft.
Understanding the economics of aquaponics.
Leslie Ter Morshuizen explains the economics of aquaponics production and best-grown crops.
Mondi Zimele develops farmers
KZN business uses farming for economic development of province
Township agriculture, rabies campaign launched
In a push to ensure food security in communities, the KwaZuluNatal (KZN) government has implemented a comprehensive agricultural programme designed to stimulate township economies.
Demand for Australian lamb grows
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has said that American demand for Australian lamb has risen significantly since December.
KwaZulu-Natal gains 180 agriculture graduates
Joy could be seen throughout the Olive Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), as 180 students, the class of 2023, achieved a significant milestone at a joint graduation ceremony.
Farmers warned not to plant GM maize in Zimbabwe
Vangelis Haritatos, Zimbabwe's deputy minister of lands, agriculture, fisheries, water and rural development, has issued a stern warning to the country's maize growers that no imported genetically modified (GM) maize may be used as seeds.
