SA Groundnut Forum (SAGF)
Meeting held at the PRF Office building and also via a virtual platform (MS Teams) on Tuesday 19 February 2025 at 10:00
Opening
The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr Keun.
Welcome
The Chairperson welcomed all the members who attended the SA Groundnut Forum meeting and invited them to participate in the discussions.
The Chairperson mentioned the passing of Mr T Prinsloo from ARC-GC on 18 January 2025, and expressed condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Attendance
Present
Ms A Botha Chairperson Mr G Keun Chief Executive Officer Ms L van Blommestein RCL Foods Mr R Nerwich Botnim Trading Ms S Rudolph RCL Foods Ms M Scheepers DALRRD Mr B Schultz SAGIS Prof PA Swanepoel RPC and Stellenbosch University Dr W Snijman ARC-GC Ms M Du Preez OPDT Via MS Teams
Mr D Boltman Lorenz SA (Pty) Ltd Mr H Engelbrecht PPECB Mr M Fache DALRRD Mr J Greef SA Peanut Ms W Haasbroek SGS Mr M J. van Rensburg Dept of Agriculture, Mpumalanga Mr C Kenny RCL Foods Mr M Kgasago DALRRD Mr C Louw GrainSA Ms D Marabe DALRRD Ms L Mazibuko Tiger Brands Ms D Mosehla OPDT Ms M Moloko DALRRD Ms L Muller Triotrade Mr C Nortje GWK Ms A Prinsloo Bureau Veritas Mr P Sanford FRW Dr S Steenkamp ARC-GC Ms J Tselentis SANCU/OPDT Ms S van Aard GrainSA Mr A Visser SA Peanut Mr N Wegner PPECB Apologies
Mr GL de Kock Roba Foods Mr W Higgs Triotrade Dr E Briedenhann OAC Chairperson
Agbiz GrainGovernance/Personalia
The Chairperson reminded the forum members to consider the terms and rules of the Competition Commission, noting that the forum’s Terms of Reference would apply throughout the meeting.
Confirmation of agenda
The agenda was accepted with the addition of discussion point '7.2.3 - VAT exemption submission' added.
Approval of minutes
Approval of the minutes of the meeting of the SA Groundnut Forum held on 17 July 2024
- Item 7.2.1 Page 10 – second paragraph 'ITEC' changed to 'ITAC'; and
- Item 7.4.4 Page 16 – 'Gain SA' changed to 'GrainSA' in the first paragraph.
Resolution:
- That the minutes of the meeting of the SA Groundnut Forum held on 24 October 2024, be approved subject to minor amendments.
Matters for discussion
Research and Technology Transfer
ARC Breeding Programme
Cultivar Brochure
(Resolution 7.1.1.1 on the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson stated that there was a need to document the origins of groundnut cultivars since most of the registered cultivars were no longer commercially available. The last update of the cultivar information was in 2018, and a decision was taken to revise the current booklet. The Chairperson reported that she had already shared the existing information with the relevant owners and requested private cultivar owners to include their cultivars in the updated booklet. It was noted that the final version of the booklet would be completed by 30 April 2025.
Resolutions:
- That cultivar booklet would be shared with cultivar owners for comments/inputs.
Chairperson
SAGF - That the cultivar booklet be finalised by 30 April 2025.
Chairperson
SAGF
- That cultivar booklet would be shared with cultivar owners for comments/inputs.
ARC Production Manual, Dr W Snijman
(Resolution 7.1.1.2 on the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
Dr Snijman reported that the Afrikaans ARC Production Manual was currently at the printers and would be available soon. He also mentioned that he was busy editing the English version of the production manual, which would be sent to the printers shortly. Once the books were available, they can be purchased from the ARC. In response to a question from the forum members about the availability of an eBook version, Dr Snijman stated that the booklet would only be available in hard copy. Dr Steenkamp proposed that a request be sent to ARC-GC management to publish an eBook as well.
Resolutions:
- That it be noted that the Afrikaans ARC Production Manual would be available soon.
Dr Snijman
Chairperson
SAGF - That a request should be sent to ARC-GC management to publish an eBook of the ARC Production Manual.
Dr Steenkamp
Chairperson
SAGF
- That it be noted that the Afrikaans ARC Production Manual would be available soon.
ARC Groundnut Breeder, Dr K Mashingaidze
(Resolution 7.1.1.3 on the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
Dr Snijman reported that Ms Van der Merwe was continuing her research on the breeding program through elite and advanced trials, as well as testing the results with cultivars included in the cultivar trials. Based on the current findings, two new cultivars might be available within the next two years. Additionally, three genotypes of breeding lines from ICRISAT would also be introduced and compared in the cultivar trials. The Chairperson expressed gratitude to Dr Snijman and Ms Van der Merwe for their hard work on the groundnut breeding program.
Dr Steenkamp mentioned that she was collaborating with the newly appointed student, Mr S Henning, and his work appears promising.
Industry Collaboration - ARC Cultivar Development, Evaluation, Maintenance and Seed Multiplication
2024/25 ARC Trials, Dr W Snijman and Ms M van der Merwe
(Resolution 7.1.2.2a of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson mentioned that the ARC cultivar trials for the 2024/25 season were planted and that the results would be discussed after the trials were harvested.
Dr Snijman responded to Ms Muller's comment about the availability of statistical analyses for the national cultivar trials and mentioned that the data was only available upon request. The Chairperson suggested that, since the national cultivar trials were extremely important, it would be beneficial to address any uncertainties in the industry through a small working group discussion.
Mr Visser proposed that the ARC consider planting some of the national cultivar trials alongside those conducted by SA Peanut. After harvesting, all relevant data would be sent to the ARC for analysis. The Chairperson recommended that Mr Visser’s suggestion be discussed at the next SAGA meeting scheduled for 27 February 2025.
Resolutions:
- That it be noted that the ARC cultivar trials for the 2024/25 season were planted and that the results would be discussed after the trials were harvested.
Dr Snijman
Chairperson
SAGF - That any uncertainties about the national cultivar trials be discussed through a small working group.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
Dr Snijman
SAGF - That Mr Visser’s suggestion that the ARC plant some of the national cultivar trials alongside SA Peanut trials be considered, be referred to the SAGA meeting scheduled for 27 February 2025.
Chairperson
Mr Visser
SAGF
- That it be noted that the ARC cultivar trials for the 2024/25 season were planted and that the results would be discussed after the trials were harvested.
2024/25 Industry Trials, Mr L de Kock
The Chairperson mentioned that the industry trials for 2024/25 were discussed in detail during the previous meeting. Some articles related to these trials were already published or to be published soonest. The Chairperson stated that the results would be reviewed after the harvest, and final decisions regarding specific cultivars in the industry trials would be made at a meeting scheduled for October 2025.
Resolution:
- That the results of the industry trials would be reviewed after the harvest, and final decisions regarding specific cultivars in the industry trials would be made at a meeting scheduled for October 2025.
Chairperson
SAGF
- That the results of the industry trials would be reviewed after the harvest, and final decisions regarding specific cultivars in the industry trials would be made at a meeting scheduled for October 2025.
ARC Open Day, Dr K Mashingaidze and Dr W Snijman
(Resolution 7.1.2.4a of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
Dr Snijman mentioned that the ARC Open Day would continue, and that the date would be communicated to the forum members soon.
Resolution:
- That the date of the ARC Open Day would be communicated to the forum members soon.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
Dr Snijman
SAGF
- That the date of the ARC Open Day would be communicated to the forum members soon.
Research Projects
Consumer & Product Research
(Resolution 7.1.3.1.1 of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
Mr Keun reported that the final report of Dr Muller’s research project "A Scoping Study of the Consumer Market and Exploring Peanuts as a Diverse Food Product in Mid- and Lower-Income Groups." was awaited and once approved by the Oilseeds Advisory Committee, would be communicated to the forum members.
Resolution:
- That the results of the research project "A Scoping Study of the Consumer Market and Exploring Peanuts as a Diverse Food Product in Mid- and Lower-Income Groups" was awaited and once approved by the Oilseeds Advisory Committee, would be communicated to the forum members.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF
- That the results of the research project "A Scoping Study of the Consumer Market and Exploring Peanuts as a Diverse Food Product in Mid- and Lower-Income Groups" was awaited and once approved by the Oilseeds Advisory Committee, would be communicated to the forum members.
School Nutrition Program
(Resolution 7.1.3.1.2 of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
Mr Keun mentioned that a discussion was scheduled with the Department of Education, after which a formal appointment would be arranged. The purpose of the discussion was to address certain specifications and procurement needs. Mr Keun asked that the matter be held in abeyance.
Resolution:
- That the discussion with the Department of Education to confirm the inclusion and use of peanut butter in the school nutrition program, be held in abeyance.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF
- That the discussion with the Department of Education to confirm the inclusion and use of peanut butter in the school nutrition program, be held in abeyance.
Industry Priorities for 2025 - a call for input and identification of key objects
The Chairperson invited the forum members to share any new problems, ideas, comments or suggestions that need attention, that were not currently on the agenda.
Generic Marketing of Groundnuts
Grow for Gold Competition
The Chairperson reported on a meeting that took place on 5 November 2024 with GrainSA regarding the inclusion of groundnuts in the Grow for Gold competition. She expressed gratitude to GrainSA for accommodating the Groundnut Industry in their planning process. However, the Chairperson suggested that discussions should take place in a smaller group that includes processors and seed suppliers.
Currently, the timeline was too short, as the protocol would likely need to be developed with individual role-players. The Groundnut Industry faces different circumstances compared to Maize or Sunflower Industries, which typically involve larger seed companies.
The Chairperson reported that a structured process needs to be established to determine who would manage the program and who would serve as field agents.
After discussion it was decided that the Groundnut Industry's involvement in the Grow for Gold Competition would be postponed until the 2025 planting season, while the necessary discussions would continue in a smaller group.
Resolution:
- That the Groundnut Industry's involvement in the Grow for Gold Competition would be postponed until the 2025 planting season, while the necessary discussions would continue in a smaller group.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF
- That the Groundnut Industry's involvement in the Grow for Gold Competition would be postponed until the 2025 planting season, while the necessary discussions would continue in a smaller group.
Social Media
The Chairperson emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness about Groundnut allergies. She mentioned that information regarding Groundnut allergies was provided to the administration for publication on social media.
Ms Tselentis noted that Robin Hood Ministries distributed 2 000 peanut butter sandwiches on the first day of the school year for children attending school for the first time. They promised to continue the initiative every term during 2025 and hope to sustain it in the coming years. The Chairperson suggested that Ms Tselentis provide any information on the Robin Hood Ministries to the administration.
The Chairperson encouraged the forum members to share and like the OPDT/OAC Facebook page.
Resolutions:
- That the groundnut industry's involvement in the Grow for Gold Competition be postponed until the 2025 planting season, while the necessary discussions would continue in a smaller group.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF - That Ms Tselentis be requested to provide any relevant information regarding the Robin Hood Ministries and the distribution of 2 000 peanut butter sandwiches to the office administration.
Chairperson
Ms Du Preez
SAGF - That the forum members were requested to share and like the OPDT/OAC Facebook page.
Chairperson
SAGF
- That the groundnut industry's involvement in the Grow for Gold Competition be postponed until the 2025 planting season, while the necessary discussions would continue in a smaller group.
Tariffs and Levies
Import Tariffs
(Resolution 7.2.1.1 of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson provided feedback on the Import Tariff applications and mentioned that ITAC, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the outgoing minister, Mr Patel, has requested the resubmission of applications due to the impact of COVID-19 on production and demand figures. RCL resubmitted its application with updated information as of early January. ITAC proactively communicated with the Chairperson and RCL, requesting updates and keeping them informed.
The Chairperson mentioned that a major concern arose regarding the roasted groundnut application. Steinweg Bridge, which initially applied, sold its groundnut facility and withdrew the application, which was communicated to ITAC. The question was raised whether the industry should seek another company to submit a new roasted groundnut application.
The Chairperson believed that the peanut butter application was more critical and suggested waiting for the department's intent before initiating another lengthy process. Additionally, starting a new submission could delay the peanut butter application, as ITAC might view both applications as interconnected and require simultaneous evaluation.
The Chairperson requested input from forum members on whether to pursue a new application or to further investigate the matter.
Mr Kenny responded that he supports the Chairperson’s view on submitting the peanut butter and roasted peanuts applications simultaneously. Mr Kenny also confirmed that ITAC had reached out to RCL's attorneys to request additional information.
After a detailed discussion, it was decided that the Chairperson would draft a letter to inform ITAC that the industry would wait for the outcome regarding the peanut butter application, as this was the most critical tariff application. The letter would also be a reminder that the focus should be on aligning tariffs rather than creating new ones. The Chairperson expressed gratitude to the forum members and specifically to RCL for their time, effort, and expenses involved with the application.
Any feedback and information related to the Import Tariff applications would be communicated to all members of the forum.
Resolutions:
- That the Chairperson would draft a letter to inform ITAC that the industry would wait for the outcome regarding the peanut butter application, as this was the most critical tariff application. The letter would also be a reminder that the focus should be on aligning tariffs rather than creating new ones.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF - That any feedback and information related to the Import Tariff applications be communicated to all members of the forum.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF
- That the Chairperson would draft a letter to inform ITAC that the industry would wait for the outcome regarding the peanut butter application, as this was the most critical tariff application. The letter would also be a reminder that the focus should be on aligning tariffs rather than creating new ones.
Japan Import Tariffs
(Resolutions 7.2.2.1 and 7.2.2.2 of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson noted that this longstanding issue pertains to Japan's import tariffs on South African products, which were less favourable than those applied to countries like the USA. The industry identified a need to explore ways to reduce the import tariffs on groundnuts exported from South Africa to Japan. Previous attempts to gain support from the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) were not successful. However, the Japan Import Tariffs would remain on the agenda for future discussions and action plans.
The Chairperson requested feedback from Mr Louw regarding the discussion of Japan's Import Tariffs at the Trade Working Group, which was part of the AAMP and forms part of the Grain Value Chain Roundtable (GVCR). Mr Louw replied that the Japan’s Import Tariffs were not discussed at the last meeting.
Mr Louw mentioned that AgriSA compiled a document listing trade barriers and unfair trade practices, and the Japan import tariffs were included in the said list. The Chairperson stated that the industry would help with any supporting documents related to listing the Japan Import Tariffs on the AgriSA document.
Any feedback and updates regarding Japan's import tariffs would be communicated to all members of the forum.
Resolutions:
- That the Japan Import Tariffs would remain on the agenda for future discussions and action plans.
Chairperson
Mr Louw
Mr Keun - That the Japan Imports be discussed at the trade committee under the AAMP which forms part of the Grain Value Chain Roundtable (GVCR).
Chairperson
Mr Louw
Mr Keun - That feedback regarding the Japan Import Tariff would be communicated to the forum members.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF
- That the Japan Import Tariffs would remain on the agenda for future discussions and action plans.
VAT Exemption Submission
The Chairperson reported that, according to the media, Minister Kubayi, Chairperson of the ANC Economic Transformation Sub-committee, announced that the government would expand the VAT exemption basket. The groundnut industry submitted a request to the Minister on 9 January 2025. Additionally, this submission was sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr J Steenhuisen, the Standing Committee on Finance, both secretaries, and the Chairperson, despite their having never been an official request for submissions. The Chairperson noted that no feedback was received from these parties, but a copy of the submission was available upon request.
The Chairperson also mentioned that the DA included peanut butter in their submission and was informed by Minister Steenhuisen that peanut butter was at the top of their list. In several media articles, peanut butter was frequently cited as one of the items that should be considered for VAT exemption.
Mr Keun mentioned that he received guidelines regarding the submission process for VAT Exemption applications. He indicated that this would be the route taken for the Soy Food Forum. Mr Keun offered to forward the guidelines to the Chairperson, that a submission could be prepared from the peanut butter industry. He further reported that the government did not open the window for VAT Exemption submissions as previously, instead, there have been announcements and expressions of intent rather than official requests for industries to submit their applications.
Any feedback and updates regarding the VAT Exemption submission on peanut butter would be communicated to all members of the forum.
Resolutions:
- That Mr Keun forward the guidelines regarding the submission process for VAT Exemption applications to the Chairperson.
Chairperson
Mr Keun - That feedback and updates regarding the VAT Exemption submission on peanut butter be communicated to all members of the forum.
Chairperson
Mr Louw
Mr Keun
- That Mr Keun forward the guidelines regarding the submission process for VAT Exemption applications to the Chairperson.
Industry Standards and Regulatory Matters
Crop Protection
Maximum Residue Levels (MRL)
(Resolution 7.3.1.1a of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson announced that the updated Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) list circulated to forum members and would soon be available on the OPDT/OAC website.
The Chairperson emphasised the importance of noting Mr Bell’s comments from CropLife regarding new legislation, particularly the highlighted active ingredients in fungicides (table 1B) and herbicides (table 3B). She expressed concern over the lack of alternatives surrounding the fungicide list, indicating that this could lead to significant issues.
Phasing-out of certain active ingredients
(Resolution 7.3.1.2a of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson thanked CropLife for their ongoing efforts and acknowledged Dr Steenkamp for her assistance with the October submissions addressing concerns, including those related to nematodes. She also expressed appreciation to GrainSA for their support. The Chairperson urged continued monitoring of submissions and expressed hope that chemical companies would provide alternatives.
Dr Steenkamp shared that her recently approved project will explore alternatives, with eager companies lined up for collaboration. Dr Steenkamp mentioned that the goal was to maintain current products until alternatives were found.
Mr Louw mentioned that there were two specific issues to address. The first was the CMR list of products that can be phased out if a company or owner does not request deregistration for that product.
- GrainSA have reviewed the list of products for which companies were willing to seek an exemption or a different classification, as well as a list of products that the companies do not wish to defend. Additionally, there were products on the list that producers cannot do without. GrainSA requested that everyone in the Groundnut Industry examine those lists to ensure to defend the products essential for Groundnut production; and
- The second issue involves a list of restricted agrochemicals that pose risks to producers and their workers. These agrochemicals would only be permitted for use by licensed pest control operators in future. It would be crucial to be aware of the list and to ensure to be aligned with the new legislation that was introduced in August 2023, especially since the industry was caught off guard by similar changes during 2024.
The Chairperson proposed creating a short article or informational piece based on the discussions. She noted that, after reviewing the materials, it was easy to lose track of key focus areas. The Chairperson thanked Mr Louw for summarising the two key actions that need to be addressed. In particular, she highlighted the important point about companies being reluctant to defend their products. This raised a crucial question, should something be done to encourage companies to stand up for their products, or should the industry consider submitting additional information?
The Chairperson proposed discussing the matter with the administration and reaching out to industry role players to explore ways to increase involvement. She also aimed to identify specific cases where necessary, especially since time was running out.
Mr Visser mentioned that he conducted trials using different combinations of chemicals on various cultivar parameters. These trials were carried out on 12 different cultivars. All the cultivars were planted together with the different chemical applications, allowing for testing on flowering, yield, and plant health. Mr Visser reported that it was fascinating to observe the damage that registered chemicals caused to Groundnuts. This was overlooked in the past and must be the focus point.
After a detailed discussion, the Chairperson decided that a discussion with Dr Steenkamp would be arranged to organise a roundtable discussion with the chemical companies regarding the current situation with chemicals on Groundnuts.
Resolutions:
- That the Groundnut Industry should examine the lists provided by CropLife to ensure that the products essential for Groundnut production were defended.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF - That a short article or informational piece based on the two key actions set out in the text should be compiled.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF - That a discussion with Dr Steenkamp should be arranged to organise a roundtable discussion with the chemical companies regarding the current situation with chemicals on Groundnuts.
Chairperson
SAGF
Terbufos Ban
The Chairperson reported that the ban on Terbufos was still under discussion, and that there will be stricter controls over who can apply Terbufos and at what stages. The Industry hope that chemical companies will collaborate to find solutions soon.
Import Quality, Regulatory Control and MRL Testing
Industry and Departmental Workshop/Collaboration
(Resolutions 7.3.2.1a of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson emphasised the significance of ongoing cooperation between the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry. The focus of this workshop or meeting would be to discuss how regulatory requirements were monitored to protect consumers and the industry role-players. This request had already been made before the peanut butter recall incident.
The Chairperson mentioned that the Food Safety Forum was revived, with the first meeting that took place on 28 October 2024, and that the next meeting was scheduled for 12 March 2025. Feedback would be communicated to the forum members.
Resolutions:
- That a workshop or meeting to discuss how regulatory requirements were monitored to protect consumers and the industry be held with the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF - That feedback from the Food Safety Forum meeting would be provided to the forum members.
Chairperson
SAGF
- That a workshop or meeting to discuss how regulatory requirements were monitored to protect consumers and the industry be held with the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Peanut Butter Recalls – Presentation Mr Luterek, Hahn&Hahn Food and Consumer Law Attorneys
(Resolutions 7.3.2.1.1 and 7.3.2.1.2 of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The forum took note of the presentation of Mr Luterek from Hahn & Hahn Attorneys that was attached as Annexure D to the agenda.
Local Quality Verification – Leaf Services
(Resolutions 7.3.3.1 and 7.3.3.2 of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson noted that the communication to Leaf Services was included in the agenda as Annexure E for noting purposes.
Mr Keun requested that any information regarding Leaf Services be sent to the administration.
It was noted that feedback and information regarding Leaf Services would be communicated to all members of the forum.
Resolutions:
- That any information regarding Leaf Service be sent to the administration.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF - That feedback and information regarding Leaf Services would be communicated to all forum members.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF
- That any information regarding Leaf Service be sent to the administration.
Industry
Crop and Area Estimates
The forum acknowledged the contents of Annexure F and Ms Scheepers' presentation on the forecast for Groundnut production. The forum was eagerly anticipating the release of updated planting intentions and the first production forecast for summer crops, scheduled for publication on 27 February 2025.
Ms Scheepers and the CEC team were once again thanked for their invaluable contributions to the industry.
SA Grain Information Services (SAGIS)
The committee noted the contents of Annexure C of the agenda.
Cognizance was taken of Mr Schultz's presentation on SAGIS, feedback, and market information. The Forum expressed its appreciation for access to such critical, objective, and trustworthy information.
Aflatoxin Reports
(Resolutions 7.4.3.1 and 7.4.3.2 of the Groundnut Frum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Forum took note of Annexure D and the presentation in respect of aflatoxin of Mr Engelbrecht from PPECB.
The Chairperson reported that for many years, the PPECB Laboratory has been the only organisation reporting on aflatoxin levels. This began during an EU discussion where it was questioned what the industry was doing with aflatoxin results and information. Since then, PPECB provided full reports at every meeting, helping the industry monitor concerns and trends. However, the industry needed to consider other factors related to imports and local testing on aflatoxin.
The industry connected with laboratories recognised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) for mycotoxin testing and four laboratories were confirmed, namely Mérieux NutriSciences, Perishable Products Export Control Board Laboratory Services (PPECB), SGS South Africa Pty Ltd and Southern African Grain Laboratory (SAGL). The Chairperson reached out to other laboratories, including SGS, to gather information on their services.
The Forum's goal was to compile data from all laboratories offering services to the industry into a database that was easily accessible to the groundnut members. It was noted that a spreadsheet requesting details about each lab, such as contact information, services offered, accreditation status, and analysis methods, was provided.
The Chairperson urged the laboratories to submit their information. With support from the administration, the plan was to publish the laboratory information available on the OPDT/OAC website.
The Chairperson mentioned that it was considered in what way laboratories in the reporting process could be included. Requiring detailed presentations from each lab at every meeting was becoming cumbersome and would not provide the overall picture. The Chairperson created a template for the participating laboratories to complete, including information on export certification, local production, import analysis for raw and blanched, and peanut butter imports. The Chairperson mentioned that the template was flexible and open for suggestions.
After a detailed discussion, it was decided that at the end of the marketing season (March), the laboratories would be requested to report on the number of lots analysed, those below and above maximum levels. The consolidated data would provide a national overview, which would be presented at the forum meeting scheduled for July.
The Chairperson thanked the laboratories that already participated. The Chairperson suggested that she would follow up in a few weeks with reminders as preparation would start for the first report.
During a discussion about whether the industry should be worried about the decline in compliance figures, Mr Engelbrecht stated that PPECB was uncertain about the reason for the decrease. However, he noted that there was a downward trend in compliance for the 2024 season compared to the previous year, affecting exports as well as samples received for the local market.
The Chairperson commented that a decrease in sample size could impact the percentage of non-compliance, which may not reflect an actual drop in compliance but rather changes in sampling numbers. It’s important to take note as any observed decrease should raise concerns.
The Chairperson expressed the importance of the aflatoxin reports to address any cause for concern. However, she encouraged everyone to examine the aflatoxin reports closely to see if any other issues need to be addressed.
In response to a question about why PPECB was the only laboratory conducting aflatoxin testing for exports, despite the recognition of four other laboratories by DALRRD, the Chairperson explained that following the EU visit, PPECB undertook significant efforts to organise information in a format suitable for the export market. She emphasised that having more information on aflatoxin would facilitate better decision-making for service providers. The Chairperson also noted the intention to create a comprehensive database for members and to incorporate as much data as possible from the laboratories to gain a broader perspective.
Ms Rudolph from RCL mentioned that in response to the question about the trend and whether there was a decline in volume, there had been an increase in delivery rejections during the same period. There were more rejections in three months compared to the previous 12 months.
The Chairperson mentioned that this was an industry-wide problem that needed to be recognised. She noted that clarification was required regarding whether the discussion pertains to imported or locally produced products and if the products were locally sourced, it was essential for the industry to remain informed.
The Chairperson suggested that, if needed, a more in-depth discussion could be scheduled for the future. She asked the industry to monitor the data and trends related to aflatoxin rejections closely. The goal was to review aflatoxin reports annually, however, if significant changes occur, more frequent reviews may be necessary. Additionally, the Chairperson urged laboratories to notify the industry of any trends related to non-compliance in aflatoxin testing.
The Chairperson expressed the significance of the mentioned roundtable discussion with the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade regarding the proper tracing and handling of the rejected groundnut containers. The Chairperson committed to table the matter at the Food Safety Meeting scheduled for 12 March 2025.
Dr Steenkamp mentioned that Aflasafe was a product used in some African countries to control aflatoxins by utilising strains of fungi that do not produce aflatoxin. These non-toxic strains outcompete the harmful ones, reducing aflatoxin levels. In South Africa, Dr Steenkamp aim to obtain non-toxic strains to develop an Aflasafe product in South Africa.
It was noted that Dr Steenkamp and the pathologists were currently exploring the role of nematodes, as one of the strains that might be associated with the aflatoxin-producing fungi. Dr Steenkamp would like to collect the samples to identify the necessary non-toxic strains for the above-mentioned purpose. She requested that if the industry can assist by providing samples that were highly contaminated with aflatoxins, it could help to isolate the mentioned strains.
Resolutions:
- That the recognised laboratories, namely Mérioux NutriSciences, Perishable Products Export Control Board Laboratory Services, SGS South Africa PTY Ltd and Southern African Grain Laboratory (SAGL) would be published on the OPDT/OAC webpage.
Chairperson
Mr Keun
SAGF - That during March, the accredited laboratories would be requested to report on the number of lots analysed, those below and above maximum limits. The consolidated data would provide a national overview, which would be presented at the forum meeting scheduled for July.
Chairperson
SAGF - That the roundtable discussion with the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade regarding the proper tracing and handling of the rejected groundnut containers be discussed at the Food Safety Meeting scheduled for 12 March 2025.
Chairperson
SAGF - That the Industry assists Dr Steenkamp by providing samples that were highly contaminated with aflatoxins, which could help to explore the role of nematodes, as one of the strains that might be associated with the aflatoxin-producing fungi.
Chairperson
Dr Steenkamp
SAGF
- That the recognised laboratories, namely Mérioux NutriSciences, Perishable Products Export Control Board Laboratory Services, SGS South Africa PTY Ltd and Southern African Grain Laboratory (SAGL) would be published on the OPDT/OAC webpage.
Industry Project: Parity-Based Price Model
(Resolution 7.4.4.1 of the Groundnut Forum minutes of 24/10/2024)
The Chairperson reported on the development of a price structure aimed at helping producers benchmark their prices against the broader market. This model was designed to provide parity-based prices adjusted to South African standards.
The Chairperson noted that GrainSA and SAGIS have published figures for import and export parity, but it was important to be able to correlate these parity prices with farm gate prices.
The Chairperson emphasised that the parity-based price model was not a price-fixing model and cautioned against misinterpretation in its publication. As large parts of the crop have already been contracted, producers may receive different prices than those indicated by current parity or market prices. Groundnuts present more complexity due to the various grades, and the goal was to clarify parity prices as part of a larger context. The Chairperson committed to sharing the approved parity-based information with the administration for publication on the OPDT/OAC webpage, along with disclaimers stating that all information was publicly available and that the parity-based price model was not intended for price-fixing. The Chairperson requested the forum members to submit any comments and suggestions for improvement on the parity-based price model.
Resolution:
- That the parity-based price model be published on the OPDT/OAC and shared with the forum members.
Chairperson
Ms Du Preez
SAGF
- That the parity-based price model be published on the OPDT/OAC and shared with the forum members.
Articles
The forum took note of the content of the articles attached as Annexure E to the agenda:
- Oilseeds Focus: Groundnut production: Herbicides and associated challenges (Prof C Reinhardt, NWU)
- Oilseeds Focus: New groundnut cultivars registered (Dr W Snijman, ARC-GC)
International Peanut Forum: 9-11 April 2025
The forum noted that the next International Peanut Forum was scheduled from 9 to 11 April 2025, in Seville, Spain.
General
None.
Meeting dates 2025
The next meetings were scheduled for 16 July and 21 October 2025.
Adjournment
As there was no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 13:00.