Gauteng Smallholder December 2015-January 2016 | Page 17

From page 13

the over-simplified farming
system GM crops are
designed for.
Myth 3: GM crops are safe
for humans and the environment
Reality: Long term environmental and health monitoring
programmes either do not
exist or are inadequate.
Independent researchers

The truth about GMO!s failure ...
the Greenpeace version
complain that they are
denied access to material for
research.
Myth 4: GM crops simplify
crop protection
Reality: After a few years,
problems such as herbicideresistant weeds and super-

pests emerge in response to
herbicide tolerant and insect
resistant GM crops, resulting
in the application of additional pesticides.
Myth 5: GM crops are
economically viable for
farmers

NEWS

Reality: GM seed prices are
protected by patents and
their prices have soared over
the last 20 years. The
emergence of herbicideresistant weeds and superpests increases farmers' costs,
reducing their economic
profits even further.
Myth 6: GM crops can
coexist with other agricultural

Continued on page 16

Cellphone-based GPS tracker for livestock

A

GPS-based animal
tracking device now
available in Gauteng is
yet another application for
your cellphone

The device is fitted into a
sturdy collar and can be used
by farmers of sheep, cattle,
goats or game.
It is also endorsed by the

Transvaal Agriculture Union.
In addition to use with a
cellphone you can track
animals via a laptop computer.

Plot-based chef ’s school

K

eTala Chefs Academy
is situated on a
smallholding east of
Pretoria, combining nature
with a farm experience and
bringing a holistic environment into the kitchen and
training centre. A small class

hands-on approach is
followed which makes for a
holistic learning experience.
More and more students are
choosing to attend farm-like
chef schools where students
receive training in additional
skills, such as irrigation,

composting and soil management. Students work the soil,
grow vegetables, harvest
fruits, nuts and herbs and are
actively involved in cultivating
the “go green” conscious
campus. The seed-to-table
Continued on page 16

15
www.sasmallholder.co.za

The collar uses cellphone
reception to transmit an SMS
to your phone, so the signal
strength does not have to be
of voice quality. Should signal
Continued on page 16