Agriculture
White maize expected to reach record high by next week─── SABRINA DEAN 16:26 Wed, 08 Jul 2015
Bloemfontein - The price of white maize has doubled since July last year with expectations that the price of the essential staple food component could reach a new record high by next week.
Professor Johan Willemse of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State says the poor 2014/2015 summer season means there is not going to be enough white maize in the country for the rest of the season.
He says expectations are that the price will soon surpass the current record of R3400 per ton:
'Johan Willemse - record'
Willemse says part of the problem is that South Africa cannot really import white maize due to restrictions regarding GM varieties. He says the high prices will also filter down to consumers:
'Johan Willemse - consumer'
Willemse says the shortage of both white and yellow maize will be a reality until at least April/March next year.
Producers are advised not to run to the markets with their maize, but rather hold on to it and sell as they need to increase cash flow.
Sabrina Dean/OFM News
'Johan Willemse - record':
'Johan Willemse - consumer':
