The newest edition is a double issue of 15 and 22 January and will be on the shelves on 8 January…

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The news section of this issue takes a look at sugarcane farmers’ optimism as they are hoping to experience a better year in 2021. Erasmus says these farmers are optimistic that when some of the aspects of the sugar industry masterplan get implemented throughout the year, it will create more opportunities and ensure better returns for local sugarcane growers.

Erasmus says they also look at what awaits the citrus industry in 2021. This, as the citrus industry has been on an impressive growth path for the past few years with output increasing consistently each year. She adds that citrus outputs are also expected to increase this year. Furthermore, it will remain critical that the industry access new markets and get bilateral agreements in place. This is to ensure that markets, especially in Asia and the Middle East, can be accessed by local growers.

Moving on to the ostrich market, Erasmus says this issue also looks at how this industry is still struggling as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on economies around the world. She says this especially affects the luxury goods market that is supplied by the ostrich industry through, amongst others, ostrich feathers and leather products.

Lastly, readers can look forward to reading about an outlook for the wine industry in 2021. This, as the sale of alcohol was once again banned when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 28 December 2020 that the country will be moving to adjusted level three lockdown regulations. Erasmus says this new ban has once again created much uncertainty for wine farmers who are going into the harvest season for the 2021 vintage. Coupled with that, Erasmus adds that the wine industry is still sitting with a massive surplus of wine left from the 2020 vintage that has not been sold.

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