Senwes Scenario April / May 2016 | Page 6

Striking up a conversation on agriculture By Juanita Greyling Nation in Conversation will again be at the NAMPO Harvest Day to discuss topical issues in the agricultural sector. South Africa’s top thought leaders will be gathering to be a voice for the producer and his key partners and to encourage and stimulate dialogue with South African consumers. to realise the extent of the impact of agriculture on South Africa and the community and this is where Nation in Conversation plays a role. Nation in Conversation serves as a “voice” for the producer and its key partners and goes from strength to strength in making a world-wide positive impact. Communal, small and commercial farmers are mostly excluded from discussions which really matter, since such discussions are traditionally regarded as taboo. This often results in the agricultural sector not being heard and in ignorance being exploited, which is usually to the detriment of the farmers. This is why Nation in Conversation was initiated and why it includes important role players in the agricultural sector, namely AFGRI, Engen, John Deere, Grain SA, Monsanto and Nedbank. It takes place under the leadership of Senwes at the NAMPO Harvest Day at Bothaville. Francois Strydom, Senwes “South Africa cannot survive without farmers. Agriculture is the only industry which can ensure sustainable economic growth and wealth”, says Mr Andries Gamede, Mpumalanga MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Matters. Nationally and internationally it is time AN INITIATIVE BY: This year will be Nation in Conversation’s fourth year at the NAMPO Harvest Da 丁Q