The wheat production forecast is up by 3% to 2,21 million tonnes, which is the largest expected wheat crop produced since 2002, when it was 2,43 million tonnes. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, adds that the canola production forecast rosed by 4% from December to 197 000 tonnes, the largest canola crop on record. OFM News' Elsabé Richard reports the barley and oats production forecasts were cut by 3% and 13% from December to 331 100 tonnes and 69 950 tonnes respectively.

Meanwhile, the import requirements for the 2021/22 marketing year is 1,53 million tonnes. This is up by 1% from the 2020/21 marketing year because of a marginal increase in domestic consumption.

The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) says it is looking forward to 2022 as a year of achievement on various fronts – which includes a continued reduction in unfairly priced imports, a boost for chicken exports, and the further containment of avian influenza. The association further shares that it expects a decision by mid-2022 on its application for anti-dumping duties on bone-in imports from Brazil and four European Union
countries. SAPA is also awaiting the announcement of a restructuring of import tariffs, and particularly the introduction of a reference price which would go a long way to curbing underdeclared and misdeclared imports from entering the market. If both of those measures are in place by mid-year, it will have a material impact on import volumes.

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The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for the Khâi-Ma Municipality in the Northern Cape of localised flash flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges which can lead to difficult driving conditions. It says the main concern is the N14 between Pofadder and Springbok and the dirt roads connecting the farming communities. The weather service warns that this can contribute to minor vehicle accidents and longer travel times. Localised damage to infrastructure and settlements, as well as localised and short-term disruptions of municipal and other essential services, are also possible.

OFM News