Recovery year

JANNIE DE VILLIERS, uitvoerende hoofbestuurder/CEO

When I think of 2017, the word ‘recovery year’ invariably comes to mind. For me there is an emotional sense of softness associated with the word ‘recovery’ – something to do with recuperating and/or recovering to a situation that was better previously. When in my heart I think of our country and its people, it is with a surge of so many sincere wishes for recovery.

Firstly, of course, it is about recovery for agriculture after such a devastating drought: Recovery of dam levels and underground water resources; financial recovery for the large number of producers who had no source of income during the past season; recovery of herds culled to create cash flow.

I also think of grandmother’s tin on the buffet – the one with small savings for an emergency that most likely also have to be refilled this year. We share in the producers in the Swartland area’s gratitude that they once again could harvest a proper crop – on the way to recovery!

However, I cannot but have sincere wishes in my heart for our country. Won’t it be wonderful if we, at the end of 2017, can attest that relations between the people of our country have recovered? Less strikes and upheaval and greater tolerance for one another’s opinions and perceptions. More respect for other people and their property or right to education.

With grain production, we know that one should leave a field fallow for a year to recover. How are we in this country going to get our people, who are forever at each others’ throats, to rest so that they can recover? It almost seems impossible to dream about it. Somewhere during 2017 I myself will need some rest to improve my relationships with people and to rejuvenate my capacity for tolerance. It remains a big challenge.

A recovery year allows us to once again find our true north in life and to make adjustments so that we are firmly on course again. In our planning at Grain SA we accept that 2017 will be a trail blazing year.

Through all the variables and commotions, we are going to have to search for a new road to sustainable production. It seems that politics in our country – and even in the rest of the world – will have an increasing impact on agriculture.

The positive reports regarding growth in Africa continue to roll in and it is as if the numerous consultants foresee no obstacles. Urbanisation in this part of the world is the most rapid and that leads to greater dependence on commercial agriculture.

The fact that Africa is so far behind with technology, creates great opportunities for economic growth – especially with a workforce which by 2034 will be larger than that of India or China. What a prospect! All of these prospects create new opportunities for growth and expansion. Political and economic stability will determine whether these prospects will one day realise – given that this holds the key to sustainability.

Of all the strategic resolutions taken by Grain SA over the past few years, I am most excited about the decision regarding research and what the researchers will bring to the table. The new initiatives in the research field hold great promise. It would benefit you to read a proper research paper from beginning to end once again – just to ensure that you do not possibly miss that small piece of information that could save you some rands.

With this I sincerely wish you everything of the best for 2017.