Media Releases
Agbiz announces CEO designate
“Following a rigorous and comprehensive recruitment process, Agbiz has the pleasure to announce that Mr Theo Boshoff, currently head of Legal Intelligence within Agbiz, has been designated to take over the reins as CEO of Agbiz as from 1 January 2022. The current incumbent, Dr John Purchase, retires at the end of December 2021 after more than 14 years of service to Agbiz, ” Mr Francois Strydom, chairman of Agbiz, said today.
Published: 18/08/2021
MoreAgbiz leadership re-elected unanimously
Earlier today at the Agbiz annual general meeting that was hosted virtually, the Agbiz leadership team was re-elected unanimously. The position of chairperson was uncontested and Mr Francois Strydom of Senwes, will lead the leadership corps for another term. Mr Sean Walsh of Kaap Agri, was re-elected as first deputy chairperson and Dr Langa Simela of Absa as second deputy chairperson.
Published: 30/04/2021
MoreBRICS Agribusiness Working Group engages with dtic to discuss increased market access
Friday, 19 March
2021, the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), together with
government – represented by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic)
– and also industry role players such as Agri SA, the African Farmers’ Association
of South Africa (AFASA), the Bureau for
Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) and National African Farmers’ Union (NAFU), amongst
others, met to discuss South Africa-BRICS agricultural trade matters.
Published: 23/03/2021
MoreAgbiz responds to 2021 Budget Speech: Inclusive growth and fiscal consolidation critical for South Africa’s future
“In the most challenging budget for South Africa since the advent of democracy in 1994, Minister Tito Mboweni and his team have, within major constraints, provided the most reasonable balance in stimulating economic growth and consolidating the fiscal framework. With the previous national budget of February 2020, South Africa was already in an unenviable and constrained position of endemic low economic growth, constrained tax revenue and higher unemployment,” Dr John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz, said today. - Agbiz media statement issued on 24 February 2021
Published: 24/02/2021
MoreStability in rural areas necessary for economies to thrive
“Agbiz is alarmed at the high incidence of crime in South Africa, and in particular crime in the rural communities where food producers and many of our agribusinesses are operating,” says Agbiz CEO Dr John Purchase. “We strongly reject and condemn all forms of violence and criminality in all of our communities. Crime in the rural areas leaves the whole farming community vulnerable, and it not only affects farmers, but also farmworkers and their families." - Agbiz media statement issued on 8 October 2020
Published: 08/10/2020
MoreAgbiz welcomes move to alert level 2 (AL2), including the lifting of the ban on alcohol and tobacco product sales
The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) strongly welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa over the weekend to move from alert level 3 to alert level 2 and to open up the economy as far as possible, within obvious measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. “The lifting of the ban on alcohol and tobacco sales is very good news and we commend the government for this necessary and well-considered decision,” says Agbiz CEO Dr John Purchase. - Agbiz media statement issued on 21 August 2020
Published: 21/08/2020
MoreAgbiz announces food relief initiative for needy communities
The neediest in agricultural rural communities will receive food relief under the Agri Value Chain Relief Project, a project initiated and coordinated by the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) in collaboration with Grain SA. Since the national lockdown was implemented on 26 March 2020 the need for adequate food in vulnerable communities has increased rapidly. “In this time of extreme hardship, the agricultural industry can play a significant role to stabilise society and alleviate hunger amongst the most vulnerable of society,” says Agbiz CEO Dr John Purchase. - Agbiz media statement issued on 30 April 2020
Published: 30/04/2020
MoreAgbiz announces appointment of new general manager for Agbiz Grain
Agbiz is pleased to announce that Wessel Lemmer has been appointed as the new general manager of Agbiz Grain, a fully-fledged and dedicated desk under the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz). He will assume responsibilities in July 2020 and will succeed Mariana Purnell, who is retiring at the end of June. Purnell has led Agbiz Grain since it was established by the 12 largest commercial grain-handling and storage companies in South Africa in November 2014. - Agbiz media statement issued on 20 April 2020
Published: 20/04/2020
MoreIn containing COVID-19, health and safety should be prioritised in agriculture and agribusiness operations
Agbiz has noted with concern a series of pictures circulating on social media that appear to show agricultural workers being transported in conditions that do not meet the requisite hygiene and sanitation levels required by law at this time of COVID-19 containment. The CEO of Agbiz, Dr John Purchase, stated the following: "Whilst it cannot be verified when these photos were taken, it is disturbing to note that critical restrictions related to hygiene, sanitation and loading capacity appear to have been flaunted. We urge members of the agricultural and agribusiness sectors, who have been granted a special dispensation to continue working under the present circumstances, to strictly adhere to the Government Gazette published regulations and to hold each other accountable to comply with the law." - Agbiz media statement issued on 28 March 2020
Published: 28/03/2020
MoreAgbiz reaction on 2020 Budget: Challenging times for South Africa
This was yet another challenging budget for South Africa. It was tabled at a time of low economic growth, constrained tax revenue and higher unemployment. At the core of reviving South Africa’s economic fortunes is the sustainability of the power supply. While mismanagement of Eskom over the past few years is regrettable, we are encouraged that the government is committed to “do whatever it takes” to ensure stable electricity supply in South Africa. We hope this does not only mean a fixation to Eskom, but acceleration to the already ongoing reforms in the energy sector. The rising government debt related to especially Eskom remains a major concern. - Agbiz media statement issued on 26 February 2020
Published: 26/02/2020
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