Grain SA leads a pilot project to digitise the diesel logbook system

Grain SA is collaborating with SARS and technical partners in the initiative to develop an efficient digital system that will offer significant relief to grain producers,

- writes Octavia Avesca Spandiel.

Grain SA has taken the lead on a new pilot project aimed at digitising South Africa's diesel logbook system, in a move that could reduce red tape, lower fuel-related input costs, and improve long-term sustainability for the country's grain producers. This collaborative effort, which includes the South African Revenue Service (SARS), private technology providers, a grain producers across the country, is expected to modernise the current manual process that governs diesel rebate claims.

Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Corné Louw, Grain SA's lead for Applied Economics, said the diesel rebate system, first implemented in 2000, is administered by SARS, and provides financial relief to primary producers in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and mining.

The rebate allows eligible producers to recover 40% of the general fuel levy and 100% of the Road Accident Fund levy on 80% of diesel used for on-farm activities and off-road operations. Louw further mentioned that the rebate is one of the only direct financial support measures available to the sector from government.