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| Namibia Agriculture Union: http://www.agrinamibia.com.na/ |
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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: DON’T HANDICAP
YOUR CHILDREN BY MAKING THEIR LIVES EASY – Robert A Heinlein
In today’s newsletter:
- Maintaining the animal health status is the most important factor for the LPO
- Regional Seminar on the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement
- Regulation of farmer schemes in Namibia
- FA and other news
Maintaining the animal health status is the most important factor for the LPO
The recent Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) congress was held on October 9 & 10, 2012 under the theme “Animal health status for economic growth”. The keynote speaker of the congress, Mr Joseph Iita, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry welcomed this subject because there is a partnership between the government and producers to keep and extend the market access. It is important for the Ministry to maintain and improve the animal health status. In this regard he mentioned various activities by the Directorate Veterinary Services (DVS) and also their plan to increase their staff from the current 737 to approximately 1559 people. The guest speaker, Dr Gideon Brückner, who is a representative from the International Organisation of Animal Health (OIE), emphasized that for Namibia to keep its health status “it is critically that role players take their responsibilities seriously”. He said that role plyers must not only strongly support their local veterinary services, but also accept the expectations of the international communities with regard to food security and traceability. He cautioned that the industry will have to “expect sudden and unplanned happenings” and will have to accept this and will have to implement plans. Even though there are big challenges to maintain the animal health status, the positive sign for Namibia is: the last foot-and-mouth outbreak was in 1964; Namibia’s veterinary services is one of the best in Africa; Namibia has an animal identification and traceability system together with movement permits and the relationship between government and the private sector is good, to mention a few.
The recent Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) congress was held on October 9 & 10, 2012 under the theme “Animal health status for economic growth”. The keynote speaker of the congress, Mr Joseph Iita, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry welcomed this subject because there is a partnership between the government and producers to keep and extend the market access. It is important for the Ministry to maintain and improve the animal health status. In this regard he mentioned various activities by the Directorate Veterinary Services (DVS) and also their plan to increase their staff from the current 737 to approximately 1559 people. The guest speaker, Dr Gideon Brückner, who is a representative from the International Organisation of Animal Health (OIE), emphasized that for Namibia to keep its health status “it is critically that role players take their responsibilities seriously”. He said that role plyers must not only strongly support their local veterinary services, but also accept the expectations of the international communities with regard to food security and traceability. He cautioned that the industry will have to “expect sudden and unplanned happenings” and will have to accept this and will have to implement plans. Even though there are big challenges to maintain the animal health status, the positive sign for Namibia is: the last foot-and-mouth outbreak was in 1964; Namibia’s veterinary services is one of the best in Africa; Namibia has an animal identification and traceability system together with movement permits and the relationship between government and the private sector is good, to mention a few.
During congress detailed feedback was given about the different LPO activities, such as inter alia the conclusion of the rangeland management policy and strategy, the NCA levy, small stock marketing, the Meatco ownership status as well as the joint vision of the red meat industry which has been facilitated by the Meat Board.
Two discussion points were accepted, namely the combating of venereal diseases (Vibriose and Trichomoniase) at cattle as well as to obtain a legal opinion about the interpretation of the Stock Brand Act and other relevant legislation with regard to the re-branding of cattle shortly before marketing.
Mr Rumpf’s 4 year term of office has come to an end Mr Mecki Schneider succeeds him as the new chairman of the LPO.
Regional Seminar on the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement
The NAU Executive Manager, Sakkie Coetzee, and the Manager: Research and Development, Wallie Roux, attended a Regional Seminar on the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on invitation of the European Commission (EC). The theme of the seminar focussed on the role of agriculture in the EPA.
Attendees included invited delegates mostly from private sector organisations in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland, as well as officials from governments and the EC.
A wide range of topics were discussed including an update on the EPA negotiations and the way forward, prospects and opportunities for agriculture under the EPA, European SPS standards, commodity and private standards, trademarks and Geographical Indications (GIs), challenges and prospects for Southern African trade in agricultural and agri-processed products, as well as tools for assisting exporters to the EU.
The seminar provided an overview of the EPA negotiation process to date and the challenges ahead to conclude the agreement. The key message was that substantial progress were made and that the negotiating parties have a mutual understanding of each other’s positions. Although the shape of the final outcome is emerging, there remains some technical work to finalise the negotiations. However, the message in general was positive for the private sector in that a finalised agreement is possible in the near future.
Regulation of farmer schemes in Namibia
The Electricity Control Board (ECB) is a statutory body established in terms of the Electricity Act No 4 of 2007 to regulate the electricity supply industry in Namibia. The core responsibilities of the ECB entails the exercise of control over the electricity supply industry (ESI) and the regulation of generation, transmission, distribution, supply, use, import and export of electricity in Namibia. A core mandate of the ECB is the setting of electricity tariffs.
The NAU Executive Manager, Sakkie Coetzee, and the Manager: Research and Development, Wallie Roux, attended a Regional Seminar on the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on invitation of the European Commission (EC). The theme of the seminar focussed on the role of agriculture in the EPA.
Attendees included invited delegates mostly from private sector organisations in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland, as well as officials from governments and the EC.
A wide range of topics were discussed including an update on the EPA negotiations and the way forward, prospects and opportunities for agriculture under the EPA, European SPS standards, commodity and private standards, trademarks and Geographical Indications (GIs), challenges and prospects for Southern African trade in agricultural and agri-processed products, as well as tools for assisting exporters to the EU.
The seminar provided an overview of the EPA negotiation process to date and the challenges ahead to conclude the agreement. The key message was that substantial progress were made and that the negotiating parties have a mutual understanding of each other’s positions. Although the shape of the final outcome is emerging, there remains some technical work to finalise the negotiations. However, the message in general was positive for the private sector in that a finalised agreement is possible in the near future.
Regulation of farmer schemes in Namibia
The Electricity Control Board (ECB) is a statutory body established in terms of the Electricity Act No 4 of 2007 to regulate the electricity supply industry in Namibia. The core responsibilities of the ECB entails the exercise of control over the electricity supply industry (ESI) and the regulation of generation, transmission, distribution, supply, use, import and export of electricity in Namibia. A core mandate of the ECB is the setting of electricity tariffs.
Due to a number of reasons, existing electricity licensees do not extend/expand their network to farms necessitating such farmers to seek alternative manners in which to obtain electricity. Usually this is done by means of a group of farmers collectively working together to establish a farmer scheme in order to ensure the electrification of their farms. There has been a proliferation of these type of schemes in Namibia. Since farmer schemes are often operated internally amongst the farmers themselves, they do not focus on such electricity distribution and supply as their core function (in contract to other well established electricity distribution utilities).
It has become apparent to the ECB that the farmer schemes are facing a number of challenges and the ECB would like to invite tenders to investigate how best farmer schemes can be aligned with existing industry practices and policies for the Electricity Supply Industry.
Tender information and Terms of Reference can be obtained from the Electricity Control Board offices, 8 Bismarck Str, Windhoek. The full terms of reference are also available on the ECB website: www.ecb.org.na. Enquiries can be directed to Ms Damoline Muruko, Tel 061 374300/316, Fax 061 374305. The deadline for tender submission is October 24, 2012 at 16:00.
FA and other news
Omuramba FA is holding a meeting on October 23 at 15:00 at Kroonster. Guest speaker is a person from Eisab Mining. For further details contact Christa Engelbrecht, Tel 062 571540, jeng@mweb.com.na
The Brahman Breeders are hosting a symposium on October 23 at 14:00 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek Show grounds. The theme is “Breeding for adaptability under Southern African extensive farming practices”. Guest speakers are Prof Fricke Nester of the Free State University and Dr Gael Schulz of the Agricultural Research Board, Pretoria. For further details contact Keep Leper, Tel 081 1240648,kiep.agra@gmail.com
Bethanie FA together with Helmeringhausen FA is holding a special meeting to discuss the increased land values. This meeting will be held on October 24 at 09:00 at the Helmeringhausen Centre. For further details contact Mrs Ina de Klerk, Tel 063 683521,ina.deklerk@gmail.com
Keetmanshoop RAU is holding a meeting on November 1 at 08:00 at Farmers Insurance Brokers. For further details contact Leehanee Schnitter, Tel 063 223343, 081 4996278, khpslu@gmail.com
Karibib FA is holding a meeting on November 17 at 17:00 at Kaltenhausen. For further details contact Mrs Gladis, Tel 061 248480, helmut@hemconamibia.com.na
Omuramba FA is holding a meeting on October 23 at 15:00 at Kroonster. Guest speaker is a person from Eisab Mining. For further details contact Christa Engelbrecht, Tel 062 571540, jeng@mweb.com.na
The Brahman Breeders are hosting a symposium on October 23 at 14:00 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek Show grounds. The theme is “Breeding for adaptability under Southern African extensive farming practices”. Guest speakers are Prof Fricke Nester of the Free State University and Dr Gael Schulz of the Agricultural Research Board, Pretoria. For further details contact Keep Leper, Tel 081 1240648,kiep.agra@gmail.com
Bethanie FA together with Helmeringhausen FA is holding a special meeting to discuss the increased land values. This meeting will be held on October 24 at 09:00 at the Helmeringhausen Centre. For further details contact Mrs Ina de Klerk, Tel 063 683521,ina.deklerk@gmail.com
Keetmanshoop RAU is holding a meeting on November 1 at 08:00 at Farmers Insurance Brokers. For further details contact Leehanee Schnitter, Tel 063 223343, 081 4996278, khpslu@gmail.com
Karibib FA is holding a meeting on November 17 at 17:00 at Kaltenhausen. For further details contact Mrs Gladis, Tel 061 248480, helmut@hemconamibia.com.na
Kalkfeld FA is holding a meeting on November 15 at 08:30 at Farm Ombona of Peter and Ortrud Schonecke. For further details contact Mrs Friedensdorf, Tel 067 290009,kfriedensdorf@iway.na
Exchange Rate NAD (21-26 October
2012)
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|||||
October
|
EURO
|
USD
|
POUND
|
||
Saturday
|
20
|
11.275
|
8.659
|
13.859
|
|
Sunday
|
21
|
11.277
|
8.660
|
13.861
|
|
Monday
|
22
|
11.266
|
8.623
|
13.822
|
|
Tuesday
|
23
|
11.384
|
8.778
|
13.983
|
|
Wednesday
|
24
|
11.368
|
8.780
|
14.061
|
|
Thursday
|
25
|
11.300
|
8.721
|
14.058
|
|
Friday
|
26
|
11.312
|
8.740
|
14.090
|
|
