Agri Sector Unity Forum making history

The Agri Sector Unity Forum (ASUF), in collaboration with North West University (NWU), is hosting a conference this week on 27-28 February 2014 in Stellenbosch. The conference theme is, "Policy certainty for Agriculture". "This is a landmark occasion and we are most certainly building on a proud history for the agricultural sector in South Africa," says Ntombi Msimang, Chairperson of ASUF.

Msimang added that within ASUF, the major organisations in the agricultural sector came to realise that a united voice for the sector is of major importance and that the differences between the various stakeholders are for the most part definitely not insurmountable. "Over the past two years or so, since we started the discussions on Unity in Agriculture, our membership often had to move from entrenched positions towards an appreciation of the common good for the agricultural sector. I was amazed at the level of maturity the particular discussions were conducted at. If this is how democracy can unfold in the wider society it bodes well for the future of South Africa," she said.

In the last couple of months, ASUF has focused on reaching consensus policy positions on burning questions such as land reform, labour relations, safety and security, water and infrastructure. "These positions will be conveyed to the outside world during the conference, whilst they will obviously be subjected to further debate and scrutiny. We will also touch on many contentious but important topics, such as the philosophy behind unity and consensus, lessons learnt from history in this regard and what stakeholders will expect from ASUF in future," Msimang said.

"ASUF acknowledges the support received from NWU in the preparations for this conference and for the number of distinguished personnel and office bearers of the university that will participate in the proceedings. We trust that NWU will in time enjoy the fruits of their investment in this regard. Needless to add that we would not have been able to host the conference without sponsors, these institutions will be properly recognised during the conference."

"We are pleased that all ASUF founder organisations will be represented at executive and membership level at the conference. This is a reflection of the seriousness with which people view the future of the sector, not only for those directly involved, but also for the country at large," said Msimang.

ISSUED BY AGBIZ (ACTING AS ASUF SECRETARIAT)
CONTACT PERSON: MS NTOMBI MSIMANG, ASUF CHAIRPERSON
083 635 4860