Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum
Meeting held on 5 October 2021 by means of a virtual platform (MS Teams)
Opening
Mr Gerhard Keun opened the meeting with prayer.
Welcome
The Chairperson, Mr Jozeph du Plessis, welcomed everybody present at the meeting.
Attendance
Present
Mr J du Plessis Chairperson Mr JP Botma Producer: Free State Ms S Behane Department of Basic of Education Ms R Beukes DALRRD Dr E Briedenhann PRF/OAC Mr T Clark RCL Foods Mr H Davies Eden Social Development Foundation Ms AS de Beer ARC-GCI Mr GP de Beer PRF Contractor Mr W de Wet AFMA/RCL Foods Ms M Delport BFAP Dr J Dreyer PRF Mr N Hawkins SAGIS Mr G Heyns SACTA Dr M Human Grain SA Mr M Jacobsz SACOTA Dr C Joubert NAMC Dr R Karuaihe JSE Mr G Keun CEO PRF/OPDT/OAC Mr R Küsel Producer: KwaZulu-Natal Dr S Lamprecht ARC-PPRI Mr CJ Louw Grain SA Ms W Louw SAGL Mr P Lovelace CEOCO/SAOPA Dr S Ma'ali ARC-GCI Ms C Makobe DALRRD Mr V Mapfumari DALRRD Ms L Mellet NAMC Prof F Meyer BFAP Mr I Mothebe DTI Mr W Oosthuizen Producer/Corteva Mr TJ Phasoana ARC-PHP Mr MA Prinsloo ARC-GCI Mr C Rasoesoe DTI Mr GL Roos Producer: Mpumalanga Dr L Rothmann UFS Ms M Scheepers DALRRD Dr D Strydom Grain SA Mr F Sundani NAMC Mr A Theron PRF Mr N van Burick Landbouweekblad Mr G van Coller Grain SA Mr A van der Vyver SACOTA Mr L van der Walt Grain SA Mr W van Pletsen Agricol Mr K van Wyk Bayer Mr WF van Wyk PRF Contractor Mr P Watt AFMA Mr N Wegner PPECB Mr C Zandberg Bayer Ms M du Preez PRF Ms A Schoeman PRF Apologies
Mr S de Jager COFCO Mr W Lemmer AgbizGrain Mr C van Coller Grain SA Mr K van Huyssteen SANSOR Mr JD Boshoff AFMA/SACOTA Personalia
None reported.
Confirmation of the agenda
The Agenda was confirmed with no additions.
Approval of minutes
Minutes of a meeting of the Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum held on 25 May 2021 and referral to website
Resolution:
- That the minutes of the Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum held on 25 May 2021 be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting, and that the minutes be referred to the Oilseeds Industry's website for publication.
Ms Du Preez
Steering Committee
OAC
- That the minutes of the Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum held on 25 May 2021 be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting, and that the minutes be referred to the Oilseeds Industry's website for publication.
Current soybean prices: local and international
Dr E Briedenhann gave a brief overview and did a presentation of the current state of the national and international soybean and sunflower markets, with aspects such as the current state of production, prices, demand and supply, amongst others, being covered.
SAGIS
The contents of the latest SAGIS Weekly Bulletin and of the latest Monthly Bulletin included as Annexure B were noted. Cognisance was taken that this and other data were published on the SAGIS website.
Mr Hawkins did a short presentation in respect of the SAGIS information.
South African Supply and Demand Estimates Committee (SASDEC)
The April 2021 report of the Supply and Demand Estimates Committee included as Annexure C was noted.
Dr C Joubert from the NAMC did a short presentation and gave an overview of SASDEC.
Crop estimates
Latest crop estimates: Soybeans and Sunflower
A presentation was delivered on the Crop Estimates Committee's view on the areas planted to summer crops in the 2021 season. An overview was provided of the areas planted to sunflower and soybeans over the period from 1991-2021.
Producer matters: Sunflower and Soybeans
KwaZulu-Natal
General
Mr R Küsel mentioned that a good season had been reported for soybeans although wet conditions were experienced in some areas and the fact that Sclerotinia is an ongoing problem.
Mr H Davies mentioned that Bergville area had an average crop due to wet conditions in some areas. The intention is to plant less hectares but with the possibility of higher yields. Newcastle/Dannhauser area had good crops for 1st time planting and hectares have doubled. Production in the Estcourt area were less because of the focus on cattle farming, but farmers indicated that they want to plant more soya instead of maize due to the theft of maize in the rural areas.
Mpumalanga and Gauteng
General
Mr G Roos mentioned that soybean crops were good in the Free State and in Mpumalanga. Mr Roos also mentioned that soybeans hectares are increasing due to theft experienced with maize. Mr Roos also mentioned that the success rate of soybeans planted under irrigation in Mpumalanga is not so good and that trials needed to be planted to establish the problem.
Mr Van Wyk mentioned that farmers started planting maize at the Kinross area.
North West and Limpopo Province
General
It was noted that less sunflower hectares were planted in the Northwest Province.
Mr J du Plessis mentioned that it was a record year for soybeans but not so good for sunflower. Mr du Plessis also mentioned that the profitability of soybeans is better although Sclerotinia remains a problem.
Free State
General
Mr Botma mentioned that there is an increase in planting of soybeans due to the rotational benefits thereof.
Eastern and Northern Cape and South Western Districts
General
No feedback.
Soybean value chain
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that all the actions identified are handled by the Soybean Working Group.
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that the following studies were finalised and the reports are available:
- Soybean Quality report by BFAP; and
- Impact of import duties on Soybean oilcake.
Dr Briedenhann reported the following outstanding actions to be addressed:
- Pilot project in respect of receipt of high moisture soybeans; and
- Transport of soybean meal to the Western Cape.
Sunflower value chain
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that the next Sunflower Value Chain meeting is scheduled for 4 November 2021.
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that the following actions are being addressed:
- Increasing the oil content of sunflower seeds in the country and how to go about it;
- Look at factors increasing yield; and
- Planting dates
Mr Keun mentioned that the project of Dr Ma'ali regarding planting dates had been approved by the OAC.
Mr Keun also mentioned that a project proposal is awaited from Ms W Louw from SAGL regarding Proficiency testing for sunflower oil and oilcake.
Research
Soybeans
National cultivar trials
Ms A de Beer did a presentation and gave a brief overview of the National Soybean cultivar trials.
Soybean rust
Dr Dreyer reported that no rust incidences were reported.
Sclerotinia
Mr Van Wyk mentioned that the 3-year trial at Wonderfontein and Stoffberg had been completed and report submitted to the PRF for consideration.
Dr L Rothmann gave feedback on Sclerotinia in the Delmas and Clocolan areas.
Dr L Rothmann did a presentation at the Soybean for Human Consumption Symposium titled "Jack and the (soy)beanstalk: slaying disease giants" which could be accessed at Soybean for Human Consumption Symposium 2021.
Rhizobium
(Resolutions 14.1.4.1 and 14.1.4.2 of The Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum of 25/05/2021)
The Chairperson referred to the list of registered inoculants included in the Agenda as Annexure E.
Mr Louw mentioned that the list will be updated continuously.
Resolution:
- That it be noted that the Rhizobia list will be updated regularly.
SSSFF
- That it be noted that the Rhizobia list will be updated regularly.
Sudden Death Syndrome
(Resolution 14.1.5.1 of The Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum of 25/05/2021)
Dr Lamprecht gave the following feedback on the Sudden death syndrome (SDS) project:
"This is the second year of the project. Isolates obtained from soybean plants from Clarens, Dannhauser and Dundee with SDS symptoms were confirmed to be Neocosmospora phaseoli. Neocosmospora species closely related to N. phaseoli that were obtained from crops that are rotated with soybean such as sunflower and maize were identified and it is important to note that none of these isolates were the SDS-causing N. phaseoli. Research to optimize the primers for species-specific detection of N. phaseoli and the development of the protocol for detection of the fungus in plant material is currently ongoing. The second survey to collect N. phaseoli isolates will be conducted during February 2022."
Resolutions:
- That cognisance be taken of the feedback from Dr Lamprecht on the Sudden Death Syndrome project.
Dr Lamprecht
SSSFF
- That cognisance be taken of the feedback from Dr Lamprecht on the Sudden Death Syndrome project.
Sunflower
National cultivar trials
(Resolution 14.2.1.1 of The Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum of 25/05/2021)
Dr S Ma'ali gave a presentation on the results of the National Sunflower Cultivar Trials for the current season.
Alternaria
Dr Lamprecht mentioned that there seems to be confusion with regard to Alternaria on sunflower. Recent published work indicated Alternaria alternata as the causing organism for Alternaria leaf and stem diseases on sunflower in South Africa. However, Alternaria helianthi was first recorded as a pathogen of sunflower in South Africa in 1980. This pathogen is also regarded in many countries as the most aggressive Alternaria pathogen of sunflower, although many other species have also been recorded to cause disease on sunflower. It is also stated in literature that A. alternata can colonise lesions caused by A. helianthi as a secondary pathogen. It is therefore important that a follow up study is conducted to identify all the Alternaria species associated with sunflower and to determine their relative importance. It is also important to note that using fungicides to control the disease is not considered economically viable. However, seed treatment with fungicides can protect seedlings against seedling blight. Crop rotation and removal of volunteer plants are also recommended for control since there are no resistant cultivars available.
Resolution:
- That cognisance be taken of the feedback from Dr Lamprecht on Alternaria.
Dr Lamprecht
SSSFF
- That cognisance be taken of the feedback from Dr Lamprecht on Alternaria.
Technology transfer
Articles
The contents of the articles, included as Annexure F, were noted.
Sunflower Highlights
The contents of the document, included as Annexure G, were noted.
LEAF Services
(Resolutions 15.3.1 and 15.3.2 of The Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum of 25/05/2021)
Dr D Strydom mentioned that an appeal hearing is taking place on the 18th and 19th of October 2021.
Resolution:
- That it be noted that an appeal hearing is taking place on the 18th and 19th of October 2021 in respect of LEAF Services.
SSSFF
- That it be noted that an appeal hearing is taking place on the 18th and 19th of October 2021 in respect of LEAF Services.
Information Days 2021
No feedback.
Videos
The Chairperson requested that educational videos be forwarded to Ms Du Preez for uploading on the website.
Oilseeds Focus
Dr Briedenhann reported that the September 2021 edition of the Oilseeds Focus was well received, and the Editorial Committee is currently busy with the December edition of the Oilseeds Focus.
Yield Competition
Mr Louw gave feedback on the "Grow for gold competition" and the function that took place during September 2021.
It was noted that articles will be published to provide information regarding the yields obtained and winners in their respective categories.
Other matters
Chemicals and inoculants
(Resolution 16.1.1 of The Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum of 25/05/2021)
Mr C Zandberg did a presentation on Velum® 1 GR.
Fertilisers
Mr J du Plessis referred to the price increase of phosphor due to the importation thereof.
Mr C Louw mentioned that there is a shortage of ammonia and that SASOL can't supply any stock.
Seed/cultivars
Mr J Botma mentioned that there is shortage of seed and that seed companies will be more prepared next year due to the bigger demand.
Mr C Louw mentioned that the seed companies sold breed stock due to the shortage issue.
Mr Botma mentioned that there was a bigger demand for non-GMO Soybean cultivars as some producers wanted to plant these cultivars with a focus on the human consumption market.
Mr C Louw mentioned that the amount of communication from buyers and seed companies regarding farmers producing non-GMO soy seed are just piling up. He also mentioned that information will be given through to seed companies of farmer's that produces non-GMO.
Processing
No feedback.
Trading
No feedback.
Consumers and soybean food
Mr Keun mentioned that the Soya Human Food Symposium took place virtually on the 16th of September 2021 and was a great success although technical difficulties were experienced at the beginning of the event.
The following link can be accessed for the presentations of the Soya Human Food Symposium Soybean for Human Consumption Symposium 2021.
Acquisition and Utilisation of Grains and Oilseeds
(Resolution 16.7.1 of The Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum of 25/05/2021)
Mr Keun requested that the matter be held in abeyance.
Resolution:
- That the matter be held in abeyance regarding Acquisition and Utilisation of Grains and Oilseeds.
Mr Keun
SSSFF
- That the matter be held in abeyance regarding Acquisition and Utilisation of Grains and Oilseeds.
Dispute Resolution Process
Dr D Strydom mentioned that a document was compiled on the dispute resolution process and will be circulated to the industry members and administration.
- That the document on the dispute resolution process be circulated to the industry members.
SSSFF
- That the document on the dispute resolution process be circulated to the industry members.
Weekly producers' deliveries at SAGIS
(Resolution 16.9.1 of The Sunflower, Soybean and Soybean Food Forum of 25/05/2021)
Dr D Strydom mentioned that the Maize and Wheat Forums are comfortable that it be changed to a statutory measure with the provision that the validation will be on a monthly basis and the statutory reporting will still be on a weekly basis.
The members of the SSSF also supported the suggestion.
Resolution:
- That it be noted that the SSSF is in support of the statutory measure to be implemented with regards to the "Weekly producer delivery returns".
SSSFF
- That it be noted that the SSSF is in support of the statutory measure to be implemented with regards to the "Weekly producer delivery returns".
Transport Differential: Feedback
Dr Strydom mentioned that Dr R Karuaihe have been working closely with Mr J Strauss from the University of the Free State in respect of an alternative model. Progress has been made and the JSE/SAFEX will communicate comments to the industry.
JSE/SAFEX Feedback
No feedback.
SACTA: Feedback
Mr Heyns gave feedback by way of a presentation and referred to the following aspects/matters:
- Levy collection rates
Season 2021/21 (tons) 2021/22 (tons SAGIS delivery 1 202 984 1 820 573 SACTA levy collected 893 559 1 343 092 74% 76% collected to date and within the next 2-3 months the total volume will be collected - Levy distribution
All the seed companies' market share had been calculated for the marketing season 1 March 2020-28 Feb 2021. Payouts to the different seed companies according to their market share is currently taking place.
- Transformation
Financial Support
- Farmers financial support for the 2020 planting season was for 1686 ha of soybeans and 605 ha for maize valued to R17,182 million.
- Farmers financial support for the 2021 planting season is estimated at 3100 ha of soybeans and 1350 ha for maize to the value R42,882 million.
Skills Development and Training
Values of bursaries awarded:
Summary of bursaries awarded from 2019-2021:Degree Duration Amount per annum Bursary PhD 3 years R125 000 Bursary M.Sc 2 years R95 000 Bursary Honours 1 year R65 000 Funding 2019 2020 2021 PhD 1 6 9 M.Sc 4 8 7 Honours 1 1 – Internships – 2 5 Total funded 6 17 21 Applications for bursaries closed the end of September 2022.
- Levy collection rates
Additional matters
Consolidated Leguminous Seeds (Soybeans) Draft
The contents of the document, included as Annexure H, were noted and discussed.
Mr V Mapfumari mentioned that notice need to be taken of the 2nd draft and that comments or concerns be communicated to him or Mr Keun for amendments to be made before it can be published.
Resolution:
- That comments or concerns in respect of the "Consolidated Leguminous Seeds (Soybeans) Draft" be communicated to Mr V Mapfumari or Mr Keun for amendments to be made before it can be published.
Mr Keun
SSSFF
- That comments or concerns in respect of the "Consolidated Leguminous Seeds (Soybeans) Draft" be communicated to Mr V Mapfumari or Mr Keun for amendments to be made before it can be published.
Election of office bearers
Election of Vice-Chairperson
Mr Jan Botma was unanimously re-elected to the position of Vice-Chairperson of the Forum and representative of the Sunflower Forum at the OAC.
Resolution:
- That Mr Jan Botma be re-elected to the position of Vice-Chairperson of the Forum and representative of the Sunflower Forum at the OAC.
Mr Keun
Mr Botma
SSSFF
- That Mr Jan Botma be re-elected to the position of Vice-Chairperson of the Forum and representative of the Sunflower Forum at the OAC.
Date of next meeting
Meeting dates for 2022 will be communicated to members.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 13h26.