PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL
REPORT TO CONGRESS 2009
List of Councillors President – T R GiffordVice President – G S TheronVice President – C TaffsCereals, Oils and Grain Producers (Crops) – C CloeteCoffee Growers Association (CGA) – C TaffsNational Association of Dairy Farmers (NADF) – A KirkCattle Producers’ Association (CPA) – A KirkCommercial Cotton Growers’ Association (CCGA) – D KenniardManicaland Regional Representative – R FinaughtyMashonaland Central Regional Representative – A Bruk-JacksonMashonaland East Regional Representative – P GrinhamMashonaland West South Regional Representative – B LentonMashonaland West North Regional Representative – VacantMasvingo Regional Representative – M ClarkMidland Regional Representative – G FranceysMatabeleland Regional Representative – VacantFarmers In Touch (FIT) – P Steyl Secretariat Chief Executive Officer – H W OlivierMinute Taker – L O’Connor Introduction The 66th Council of the Commercial Farmers’ Union of Zimbabwe met on eighteen (18) occasions in the past year. The number of meetings held at different levels were: Ø President’s Council / O GroupØ Regional and Commodity CouncilØ Financial and Audit Committee Once again it has been an extremely difficult year for the Union, commercial farmers and agriculture in general. This year’s season can possibly be described as one of the best agricultural seasons in living memory. The rainfall was evenly spaced throughout the season. Regrettably despite very good rainfall the agricultural sector continued to decline at a rapid rate. The severity of problems facing members and the Union necessitated regular meetings of Council. The following points are a resume of discussions held at Regional and Commodity Council meetings.
- Membership
Council once again focused on the needs of membership. Disturbingly the member’s moral has been at an all time low. Viability of farmers has also been of concern. During February of this year Government announced a dollarized economy. This meant farmers had to switch over into United States dollars and the majority of crops were financed by farmers themselves with the limited resources that they have. Council also looked at every class of membership from non operators to large operators. Regular contact with farmers occurred with several meetings in the districts being attended.
- Unity
Once again Council has made its business to try and bring back all splinter groups under one umbrella. Many meetings have been held to this effect. Recently a questionnaire was sent to all farmers to establish those farmers who wanted to continue farming and those who wished to receive compensation. All groups, SACFA, JAG, Agri Africa, Compensation Coalition and Valuation Consortium have supported this initiative.
- Inputs
With the assistance of the European Union, the Union managed to provide a service to its membership in securing fertilizer. Negotiations are underway to facilitate a similar service for the forthcoming summer crop. Electricity has also been a major concern and has seriously affected the farmer. There have also been problems in obtaining crop chemicals. During the latter part of 2008 the lack of obtaining foreign currency to import chemicals to meet the demand were experienced. With the dollarization of the economy this problem has gradually been resolved. However the pricing structure has been out of control and farmers are recommended to shop around for the best price. Fuel has been readily available with favourable prices.
- Land Reform Programme
This has been a discussion point at every meeting. Government continues to acquire more land and prosecute farmers. At the time of writing the report, over 170 farmers have been prosecuted. Farm disruptions and evictions continue. There has been absolutely no respect for any court judgement passed, no law and order and the Zimbabwe Republic Police have remained inefficient and instructed not to assist any commercial farmer.
- Diplomatic and International Community
The support for this Union and membership has been overwhelming. I have made it my business to interact with them and assist in establishing a Multi Donor Trust Fund for the rebuilding of agriculture. Compensation and Restitution has always been high on the agenda. We need to resolve the conflict in agriculture. Compensation needs to be paid out to those who have lost their farms in the name of land reform.
- Government
On the 15th September 2008 a Government of National Unity was formed. Every citizen in Zimbabwe expected things to change. Farmers were hopeful for a monotorium on all prosecutions and evictions and that disposed farmers would be engaged to resolve their needs. Regrettably nothing has changed. Government continues on the track of eliminating all commercial farmers. The Union has been very active in meetings to resolve this and will continue to do so. I have made it my personal business to constantly remind the politicians of our plight.
- Legal Issues
Government continues to talk of introducing 99 year lease agreements. Sadly once again there has been a lot of talk but no definite policy. It is very obvious that property rights and the respect thereof will have to be introduced. During the ensuing year the Union’s members have constantly faced prosecution and humiliation in the courts. The lawyers defending the farmers out there have done a tremendous job. Coghlan Welsh and Guest have been at the forefront in bringing all lawyers together and providing assistance where necessary. A special thank you to Alex Masterson who has spearheaded this exercise. There have been some success stories in courts. The most important has been Mike Campbell and the Interveners to the SADC Tribunal held in Windhoek, Namibia. Council pays tribute to him who has set the course for many to follow throughout the Southern African communities. I would like to commend Advocates de Bourbon, Gauntlett and lawyers Elize Angula, Alex Masterson and Dave Drury on a job well done.
- Projects
The European Commission has engaged both the Union and NADF in four (4) projects. They are: Ø Stabex 95 Capacity BuildingØ Stabex 95 Fertilser ProjectØ Stabex 95 Essential Vaccines ProgrammeØ Stabex 95 Marketing Programme These programmes have played a significant role in kick starting both the Union and NADF. My sincere appreciation towards the European Commission and in particular the Ambassador who has in many ways demonstrated his support towards agriculture.
- Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Vice President Deon Theron for his support and loyalty. Despite his own farming priorities, prosecutions and disruptions he has always extended his hand to the membership out there. Vice President Charles Taffs who was appointed by Council in January of this year, I also extend my gratitude. Charles has taken the bull by the horns and already engaged the business community out there. Results of his efforts are already starting to be seen. The sacrifice he has made is appreciated. My thanks also go to Council who has continuously supported me in this very difficult period of time. To the membership for their continued support towards the Council and myself. I thank you. Both the Union’s Trustees, Mr Richard Winkfield and John Meikle who have kept a watchful eye on matters of the Union. To the Audit and Financial Committee members, Jean Simon, Paul Grinham and Lennox Bruce, once again they have provided sound advice and financial guidance to the Union. Lastly my sincere appreciation to a committed secretariat and the entire staff component who under very challenging times have supported Council and myself. Thank you. Trevor Gifford(President) Commercial Farmers’ Union24 July 2009