Wine exports; auctions get go-ahead in lockdown level 4
Several regulation relaxations have been made to the agricultural sector as the country moves to lockdown level 4.
The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza on Wednesday evening detailed what measure have been eased in the agricultural industry as the country moves to lockdown level 4, starting on 1 May.
The regulations now state: that all agriculture, hunting, forestry, and fishing, bee-keeping including the preparation, harvesting, storage, transport of live animals and auctions, albeit under strict hygiene conditions, and related agricultural infrastructure and services, including research and inspection, certification and quality control, will be allowed when the new lockdown regulations.
So will all fishing, operation of fish hatcheries and fish farms, on such conditions as may be prescribed and be issued in directions from cabinet members responsible for the environment, forestry and fisheries. The harvesting and storage activities essential to prevent the wastage of primary agricultural, fishing and forestry goods as well as the export of all agricultural, agro- processed, fishing and forestry products will also be allowed.
Didiza added that, at level 4, government wants to ensure that some industries that support the agricultural sector are operating, including mechanisation services for tractors and other implements required for production.
Retail shops providing agricultural input may operate and auctions may take place, but under strict conditions to adhere to the prevention of health risks. Only 50 people would be allowed to attend auctions.
Bee-keepers would also be permitted to operate at night with the applicable permits, she said, as they need to operate when it is dark.
Seasonal workers would be allowed to work on farms, but may not be transported from other provinces or other countries. “Farmers must look for labour in the provinces where they are situated, and ensure that applicable health restrictions are adhered to, to ensure food security for all.”
South African wine exporters will notice with much relief that the transportation of wine for export is once again allowed. As with wine, the transportation of liquor will be permitted when the country moves to level 4, following the ban of this type of transportation ahead of the start of the lockdown period on 27 March as it was not seen as an essential service.
Wine production is one of the largest export-orientated agricultural value-chains, with a contribution of R49 billion to GDP.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
