NEWS
AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN
VIRTUAL DISCUSSION SERIES :
VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNT DURING LOCKDOWN
As lockdown regulations are further relaxed and South Africa prepares to fully reopen its economy , it is important to pause and reflect on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 crisis . This is especially applicable within the agricultural value chain .
Kefiloe Manthata Senwes Journalist
During a time when all hands
on deck have been incredibly busy managing the immediate consequences of the pandemic , Senwes in collaboration with the Agricultural Business Chamber ( Agbiz ) have been hosting a series of insightful virtual discussions focusing on the agricultural value chain . These discussions not only focused on the role that the value chain plays in driving the economic recovery , but also on how it can position itself to deliver its full potential .
THE RIGHT PLATFORM ON THE RIGHT TIME Despite the widespread business disruption caused by the pandemic , the virtual discussion series is proof that crisis indeed births innovation .
The Agricultural Value Chain ( AVC )
Virtual Discussion Series was introduced in April , just after the commencement of the country ’ s hard lockdown and since then has featured several engagements between role-players in the different food and fibre value chains . According to Francois Strydom , Group CEO : Senwes , the value of the series lies therein that it enhances understanding of not only the agricultural value chain , but also the issues affecting it . “ The series represents an exciting new way of conversing ,” says Strydom and adds that it offers a platform from where an array of voices within the agricultural sector can be heard . He also states that the pandemic proved that the agricultural sector is resilient and remains committed towards ensuring sustainable food supply .
Value chain role-players that have been featured thus far include : meat industry , milling industry , producers , finance , logistics , food supply and distribution , the informal trade sector , the tobacco industry , alcohol industry and the wine industry . Topical issues such as the SAFEX differential , the impact of the ban on liquor sales and the initial prohibition on the export of wine are just some of the hard-hitting matters that have been discussed .
“ Through this series it is clear that all role-players in the agricultural value chain , including competitors , are eager to address and resolve challenges , to make sure that the value chain comes out of this crisis in the strongest position possible , safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring business continuity . It is my belief that the series has set the scene for invaluable future deliberations ,” says Francois Strydom , Group CEO : Senwes .
The South African Wine Value Chain
Panel
AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN
l Dr John Purchase - Moderator Agbiz , CEO
l Rico Basson VinPro , Managing Director
l Maryna Calow Wines Of South Africa , Communications Manager
l Beyers Truter Beyerskloof , owner and wine maker
l Hein Koegelenberg La Motte Wine , CEO
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SENWES SCENARIO | LENTE � SPRING 2020