The CEO of the South African Canegrowers Association Thomas Funke told Farmer’s Weekly that these entities, which were both under business rescue, were up to date with growers' payments, but have failed to pay over the levies of monies collected on behalf of the association and the millers.

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The editor of the agricultural magazine Janine Ryan added that the impact of the default was close to when the sugar tax was introduced in 2018. 

She said the industry is exploring possible legal action and is also talking to banks and the government in an effort to alleviate the impact the decision would have on smallholder and commercial cane growers.

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The feature section focuses on Grain SA's Nampo Harvest Day, which lasts from 16 until 19 May. Ryan said that they spoke to farmers about the importance of Nampo.

Jaco Breytenbach, who is a maize, wheat, sugar beans and soybean farmer in the Free State, explained that Nampo provides farmers with a broader overview of what is happening in the agricultural sector. He added that it is a place where farmers can gather and share experiences.

The crop section looks at the history and importance of maize as a staple crop in many countries of the world. Farmer’s Weekly also focuses on the current trends in world trade, including the biggest producers and importers and where the markets will likely go over the next few months.

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