SOUTH WEST MASHONALAND

­              REPORT TO CONGRESS 2009

 Weather – This region had the closest to a perfect season it could ever have wished for. Rains started in late November and fell every week to ten days until the end of April. There was no excessive leaching rain and there were no dry spells, this was a year to make money but sadly there were few crops in the ground to take advantage of this dream season.This winter has been very cold with more frost than we are use to, some tomato crops and tuber roses have been damaged by frost .The few hectares of barley and even less of wheat are benefiting from this cold snap. Land – This region has come under a fresh attack since December 2008.  Until now we have lost eight farmers and another eight hang on but only by a thread.  All this in a space of six months, and the trouble increases as there are court summons for another thirteen farmers still to be issued.  Some farmers are being prosecuted in the courts but those that are already off were jambanjered. Out of the eight farmers that have vacated their farms only one was legally evicted. The police have not up held the law.  High court orders are ignored and the Sheriff receives no support when trying to implement court rulings.  Legal – Most farmers are using legal options to avoid eviction but as we all know under the present law farmers are guilty of occupying State land without a permit, offer letter or lease. They are really just buying time.  Until the law is changed or white farmers receive offer letters the courts will continue to evict farmers. There are eight farmers in court and there are more summonses still to be issued according to the Public Prosecutor.   Out of thirty two farmers there are only five that are not under any sort of threat.  Production – This recent and ongoing attack on the area has and will have an enormous impact on production.   The consolidated figures of production lost since January and production that is due to be lost once the eight farmers that are in court are evicted is as follows: Citrus – 470 ha,  Tobacco – 180 ha,  Soya beans – 700 ha,  Seed maize – 100 ha,  Commercial maize – 200 ha,  Wheat – 450 ha,  Dairy cows – 250 head,  Pigs – 300.     Total value = $ 6 ,1 million 

Finance – Farmers face an even greater hurdle than politics and that is economics.  The profit margins are no longer there.  Tobacco growers who have enjoyed a reasonable return on their investments in the past now experience a limited viability.  Increased input costs combined with lower commodity prices leaves profit margins depleted.  However, the live stock industry has benefited from the low price of grains and stock feeds.

 Banks seldom lend money for more than 90 days which few farmers can return in such a short time. Interest rates of 7% + 1.5% establishment fee + 3 % bond registration = 11.5% which is hardly even worth considering except for short term bridging finance.  Like the land issue the economic situation is going to continue to deteriorate in the foreseeable future. Inputs – Inputs are more available but at a cost.  The lack of subsidies combined with lack of finance to purchase inputs is going to be the restricting factor for farmers when accessing inputs.  Contract farming is sometimes the only viable option because of cash flow restrictions hence the reason why the tobacco industry is attraction so many new growers. 

Commercial farmers Union – The CFU has done a tremendous job, by representing the members of this region.  Farmers in general in the Chegutu and Selous area have supported the CFU and been appreciative of the efforts that the presidium and council have made to secure commercial agriculture for future generations to build on.

 South West Mashonaland would like to thank President Trevor Gifford for the sacrifice he has made for commercial agriculture.  We are all in debt to him.  Trevor has worked tremendously hard for the Union and has put his business in Chipinge second to the needs of farmer’s countrywide. His vision and hard work for unity within commercial agriculture will benefit the process of moving forward by pulling in splinter groups.  He has given members a stronger foundation to negotiate for compensation and restitution when the time comes. To Karen, we thank you for standing by Trevor.  We know that the sacrifice a President’s wife makes seem to go unnoticed but is appreciated by Council and members. I would like to thank Vice President Deon Theron for his dedication and hard work.  Deon has endured personal hardships and still remained sensitive to the needs and problems of other farmers. His devotion to commercial agriculture will compliment the Union in the future. Thank you to the Director Hendrik Olivier and his staff.  They have excelled in supporting the farmers yet again.  Hendrik juggles numerous jobs at once and plays a pivotal role between the Presidium, Council, members and other stake holders.  B Lenton(Chairman)07 July 2009