25 JUNE 2010

 

EXECUTIVE NEWS

 

We are almost back up to full strength in the office this week now that President Deon Theron is back from leave as well as business, on our behalf outside the country. Many of the rest of the team took advantage of the schools’ exit weekend to be with their families, but they are also all back in the office again. Marc Carrie Wilson is still busy with his study leave and exams but he should be back in the office again by next week.

 

The situation in Chipinge has taken up a lot of our time this week and although we have had some limited success the huge looting exercise continues unabated. Most of the affected farmers have taken their cases to the High Court to seek protection but although some have received favourable judgments there is still little respect of these judgments by either the police or the other parties involved.

 

However there does appear to be a slight change in the attitude of the police but sadly this is rather too late in a number of cases. Our prayers are that we may have a bit more success once the Cabinet reshuffle has been effected.

 

In one of the cases a 30-tonne truck load of looted maize was followed to its destination in Harare and charges were laid with the police. However, as soon as the investigating officers found out who the accused was he tried to back off, but steps have been taken to ensure that this prosecution will be followed through to its conclusion. In the mean time a High Court order has been issued for the farmer to regain possession of his impounded property as per previous court orders which were issued in his favour.

 

In a subsequent newspaper report on the incident the accused resorted to the use of some extremely abusive language and defamatory accusations against the farmer whilst attempting to justify his alleged theft to the press. The whole incident was reported in detail in the press who had a field day and is available on our website www.cfuzim.org under “Police impound Porusingazi truck”

 

Although our farmers have had limited success with court orders as well as facing frustrating difficulties with the police agreeing to lay charges or even to record reports our advice is that farmers should persist as the resultant paper trail will prove to be invaluable in the end. Giving up if the police refuse to accept a report is not an option. There is always another way.

 

This week we were visited by a removals company who were looking to advertise their business. They reminded us how they had helped farmers at the height of the evictions in 2000/1 saying that they were still storing many of their farmer client’s goods and possessions which they were slowly moving to new destinations once the affected farmers had found a new location either in the country or abroad.

 

During the conversation they were absolutely shocked to hear that the disruptions and evictions were still going on! Like many Zimbabweans they are not hearing about the plight of our community and our farm workers despite the weekly distribution of reports to over 200 destinations.

 

The trouble is that many editors and publishers have to sell their newspapers to the general public and constant reports of our troubled farmers seldom makes the headlines, or are even considered newsworthy. It is most certainly never reported in the national controlled press.

 

An article titled “Continued Farm Disruptions” was written for publication in our proposed magazine which has, unfortunately, not yet got off the ground for various administrative and financial problems. This article has subsequently been posted on the CFU website, under the same name, in a further attempt to enlighten the public.

 

Subsequent to our discussion with the removals company they requested that we let our farmers know that they are still prepared to assist any evicted farmers with the removal and storage of their possessions and equipment at a discounted rate for CFU members. Information may be obtained at the office until such time as they have prepared their advertisement which will also be on our website.

 

Your Union is also busy in discussion with some 90 companies to come to an arrangement of mutual benefit on discounts for our members’ business with those companies. Although the final list will also be published on the website our initial list so far is set out below:

 

DISCOUNTS FOR CFU MEMBERS

 

Discounts are a recognized method of generating business. We are pleased to advertise those businesses which offer discounts to paid up CFU members on our website and through our weekly news bulletin (CFU Calling). All paid up members are provided with membership cards that are valid for one year with the expiry date displayed on them. The cards are used to determine whether an applicant qualifies for a discount, so members need to take their card when applying for a discount.

 

HADDON MOTORS

 

Haddon Motors offer a 15% discount on all Parts supplied ex stock, purchased either over the counter or fitted through their workshops. Haddon Motors are official dealers in Isuzu, Opel and Chevrolet, and carry a comprehensive stock of parts for all models.

 

In addition Haddon Motors sell new vehicles and have an agent dealing in second hand vehicles on site. Haddon Motors have in place a 6 month finance scheme, but have just started negotiations with a local bank who are looking at a 12 month finance scheme on purchases of new vehicles.

 

Contact person  Barbie Dewis    4 – 746656/9  [email protected]

 

HUNT ADAMS AND ASSOCIATES

 

Hunt Adams offer lower premium rates on motor insurance cover (both private and commercial vehicles) and on house insurance to paid up members

 

Contact Mark Bailey 4 – 335895 [email protected]

 

PEDSTOCK INVESTMENTS – NETAFIM

 

The Company offers a 5% discount on all products to paid up CFU members and they are as follows:

 

1) vegetable seeds and seedlings

2) drip irrigation kits

3) Gatit fertilisers (soluble)

4) tunnel kits

5) greenhouses

6) technical back-up

 

Contact person P.Mahachi  4- 851687/90  [email protected]

 

PIONEER SEEDS COMPANY ZIMBABWE

 

Pioneer Seeds are offering paid up members a 5% discount on the retail price for maize seed purchases. The discount will apply to orders of 20 pockets and above. For orders to qualify, they must be made direct to Pioneer Seeds Head Office as the company does not have a mechanism of administering this facility through Dealer networks

 

Contact person David Makasi 4 – 339301  [email protected]

 

———————————————

 

Although the prestigious Soccer World Cup has been a major achievement for Africa and South Africa in particular there is little doubt that the event has had an adverse effect on productivity in general and especially with the availability of vital electricity for our wheat and barley growers.

 

The question is whether we will receive more constant power supplies once the tournament is over or is there a genuine problem with power generation in Zimbabwe at the moment? We can only pray that the new Cabinet Minister in charge will urgently start looking into the future development of increased power generation to cater for the increasing demand. The current limitations are untenable and will have a negative effect on any future development in the country either now or in the future.

 

It has been good to see some public debate over the compensation issue over the email system, which we prefer not to enter into publically. This decision is not about being aloof but rather preferring to answer any questions individually on a personal basis as we would be ill-advised to make public any of our strategy. We continue to respect other people’s personal opinions and our members should be feel free to offer any constructive criticism over our compensation proposal which we will gladly consider insertion into the final document.

 

It should be remembered that our compensation proposal, which is now available on the website under the “Compensation” category, is not a final document at all. In fact the implementation of any of our proposals would only be finalised once all parties have come to an agreement around the table with all parties involved including the Government of the day.

 

In the mean time we have been advised that the only way forward is for us all to work constructively together and to ensure that all properties are registered for valuation with the central body being the Valuation Consortium. After all, at the end of the day, you are not bound to accept their valuation figure should you disagree with their valuation. But it is essential that we are able to come up with a fairly accurate figure of the total valuations for us to work with when lobbying with the various groups of governments, interested parties, financial institutions and even possible donors.

 

Deceased Estates and Compensation

 

We have sought legal advice on this subject and the advice forthcoming was that any person with a right to resist acquisition of a farm or to claim compensation is in a position when that right constitutes an asset. If that person dies that is an asset in his estate and therefore the surviving family must immediately get in touch with the executor or executrix to ensure that the assets can be claimed in the administration of the estate, from the Government of Zimbabwe.

 

Should there be any queries you are advised to contact a legal practitioner.

 

There are still restrictions on the movement of livestock and importation of certain stockfeeds in place at the South African/Zimbabwe border for the control of Rift Valley Fever. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise accordingly when the pets and animals who have been stranded on the other side of the border due to the restrictions may return home.

 

It is said that some people are making a run for it and smuggling their pets through but we are not aware of any fines or penalties which are imposed should they be caught.

 

We have another appeal to assist starving wildlife if anyone could assist:

 

National Parks phoned Richard Maasdorp last night rather distressed about the buffalo that are stranded on two different islands near Mana.

 

The one island opposite Chikwenya has 80 Buffalo on, the other is called something like Nyakasula – it is opposite Ncupi Camp at Mana that has approx 200 buffalo on it.

 

The animals have young and could not swim back to mainland initially because of the young, but now they are too weak as well. Parks have seen that some animals are dying now. They are desperate to save the animals. It will be a temporary mission.

 

The gates at Kariba are going to close mid next week we are told. The situation has only just come to Richard’s attention and he would be very happy with anyone prepared to help? Students on Varsity vac?

 

The idea is to get hay delivered to either Karoi, Mana turn off, Mana itself or Chikwenya itself. Parks I am sure have boats that will take the hay across to the islands.

 

How can you help?

 

1.         If you know where to get hay from write to [email protected]   

2.         If you have a truck and can help transport hay – write to the same email address.

3.         If you can help with money and can’t help with trucks and hay or time – round up the dollars amongst your mates and contact Richard on the above email address.

 

Preparations for our annual Congress to be held at Meikles on 2^nd and 3^rd August are well under way and we urge all our members and farmers to put the date on your calendar or diary and make every effort to attend. Those who wish to attend should please let their regional chairmen know so that we can work out numbers for catering etc.

 

The following is our agenda which has been approved by Council:

 

MONDAY 02 AUGUST 2010

 

Closed Session           Meikles Hotel “Stewart Room” Corner Jason Moyo/Third Street

 

08:00 – 09:00                       Pre Congress Council Meeting – Meikles Hotel

08:00 – 09:00                       Registration of Delegates

09:00 – 09:30                       (i)         Director’s welcome and Notice to convene

(ii)           Welcome and opening statement by CFU President

 

09:30 – 13:00           In House issues

            (iii)       Regional Chairman’s Annual Report                      (tabled)

(iv)          Labour Report                                                      (tabled)

                      (v)       Commodity Chairman’s Reports & Presentations             (tabled)

a.        Crops – C Cloete                                         (30 min)

b.        Livestock – A Kirk                                              (30 min)

(vi)       AISD Report – K Ndoro                                                    (20 min)

                                    (vii)      Legal Report – M Carrie-Wilson                                      (20 min)

(viii)     ARAC Report – P Steyl                                                  (30 min)       

                                    (ix)       South African Farmers Report – Vice President L Fick       (20 min)

                                    (x)        Recovery Program Report – Vice President C Taffs           (30 min)

                                    (xi)       CFU Policy Document – Director                                    (30 min)

                                   

           

 

13:00 – 14:00                       Lunch

 

14:00 – 16:00                       (xii)      Appointment of Legal Advisors – Director

                                    (xiii)      Appointment of Trustees – Director

                                    (xiv)     CFU Finance Report and Accounts for year ended

                                                31 March 2010 – Director

                                    (xv)      Appointment of Auditors – Director

                                    (xvi)     Resume of Resolutions 2009 – Director

                                    (xvii)     Resolutions – Director

a.     Membership Licence Fee

b.    CFU Constitutional Amendments

(xviii)    Way Forward and Debate – President D Theron

 

16:30                          Closure

 

Official Opening and Cocktail function

Meikles Hotel “Stewart Room” Corner Jason Moyo/Third Street

 

 

18:30 – 19:00                       (i)         Guests arrive

19:00 – 19:30                       (ii)        Welcome and opening statement by the CFU President

19:30 – 19:55                       (iii)       Farming Oscar Presentation

19:55 – 20:00                       (iv)       Thanks and closure

20:00                          (v)        Snacks with music

 

 

 

TUESDAY 03 AUGUST 2010

 

Open Session Meikles Hotel “Stewart Room” Corner Jason Moyo/Third Street

 

 

08:00 – 09:00                       (i)         Registration

09:00 – 09:05                       (ii)        Director’s welcome and notice to convene

09:05 – 09:10                       (iii)       Welcome and opening statement by CFU President

09:10 – 09:45                       (iv)       Guest Speaker – International

09:45 – 10:15                       (v)        Speaker – National

 

10:15 – 10:45                       Tea

 

10:45 – 11:15                       (vi)       Address to Congress by the CFU President

11:15 – 12:00                       (vii)      Address to Congress by VALCON

                                    (viii)      Address to Congress by visiting Agriculture Unions

12:00 – 12:30                       (ix)       Debate and Questions

12:30 – 12:45                       (x)        Thanks and Closure

12:45 – 13:00                       (xi)       Post Congress Council Meeting

 

13:00                          Lunch

 

AGRICULTURE RECOVERY AND COMPENSATION (ARAC)(from the desk of Pete Steyl)

 

There has been a flood of email correspondence from all corners of the globe over the last weeks. We are delighted at the interest that is being generated and as far as possible we endeavour to reply to each letter personally. It is indeed gratifying that correspondence is reaching so many; however we are aware that out there are still others who are not yet connected to our communication network.

 

 Many letters commend us for the fresh and inclusive angle now being taken with regards to all farmers, such comment is deeply appreciated and motivates your team a great deal. From others there is still much that focuses on the past and to an extent on the consequences of constitutional failure in the times of transition that we have gone through. The attrition of an active farming based membership to a largely non farming dispossessed constituency is a challenge for any organisation to survive, that those people are spread all over the globe exacerbates that. Both constitutional and policy issues are currently being dealt with and the end result will be a more accountable and transparent union that serves its members. For those that left the ship and have concerns with this process of renewal, we welcome your input.

 

Others have expressed concern that there is much expertise out there that is being excluded from the process of achieving our common goals. Together everyone achieves more, is something we have all heard, this certainly is the case where focus and a clear understanding exists between all players, it is not something easily achieved, however we are aware of those parties and individuals and every effort will be made to enhance success through a shared and inclusive agenda. Some of the entities involved are principally commercial and others more farmer focused, all parties are concerned to improve communication. The planned Presidential group visit to UK will most definitely involve a coordinated approach through both the local embassy protocols and those who are already working through established channels in the UK.

 

A cross-cutting concern is a perception that CFU is only interested in a quick fix. The imperative of advancing age and diminishing or exhausted resources is clearly something that concerns a considerable group of farmers, their predicament is clearly understood. On the other side there are those who are anxious to see no time line imposed for the sake of expediency. There are differing expectations across a broad spectrum, in achieving resolution we are guided by the FAO guide lines which we have previously communicated. These will be endorsed in the revised policy document.

 

Membership dues and how and where to pay for those outside the boarders, and the level at which these are set is another frequently asked question. We are investigating satisfactory coordinating mechanisms and contact persons for those who are not well served by the current arrangements. I am sure you will be contacted by the relevant people once this is done. There will be a resolution at congress as to debate and set the fee structure for the coming period. We have already received considerable comment on this.

 

Two other common queries are:

 

1.     Concern that farmers may have left companies in moth balls and an uncertainty as to the way forward on this situation ,

2.     Concerns as to the procedures in regard to deceased estates where acquired titled property makes up a part of the estate,

There have been previous opinions on these matters and we have asked for fresh legal opinion, in view of changed legislation here and will communicate the details within the next couple of weeks.

 

Last night a few of us were  able to  see the excellent documentary ‘Mugabe and the White African’ which together with the farm worker driven documentary, ‘House of Justice’  does much to promote true understanding of what farmers and their workers have gone through and are still going through over the past 10 years.

 

We congratulate Ben Freeth on his recent inclusion on the UK Honours’ list with an MBE.  We commend him and others for their resolute commitment towards the restoration of all citizens’ rights in Zimbabwe.

 

COMMODITY UPDATE

 

ZIMBABWE CROP PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION (from the desk of Richard Taylor)

 

The Barley and Wheat insurance scheme seems to be in place. Insurance will cover field to floor, fire, rain damage and hail damage, all at a rate of 0.9% of your gross income, with a 10% premium of that total figure should you need to claim.

 

We continue to chase the various players in the finance scheme for trucks, vehicles, tractors and equipment; however it is very difficult to put a time frame to this just yet. What can be said is that the interest on this finance scheme will be very competitive and more than likely under 9% over 3 years. We will endeavour to get this finalized as soon as possible.

 

The combined commodities forum AGM is only 10 days away. For those who are still interested in coming to join us, there is still accommodation at Inn on Rupurara and the Mont Claire Hotel.

 

One can see that local commodity prices continue to fall, however GMB have increased by $10 per ton, with small changes on the SAFEX rates and some fair increases on the International Gulf. Exchange rate used this week is R7.60 to the green back.

 

Local as at 25 June 2010 US$                 

Commodity	GMB	Agrifoods	Intergrain	Staywell	Croplink
White Maize	275	240	200	215	240
Yellow Maize	275	240	180	215	200
Maize Bran	150	150		120	120
Soyabeans	280	370	350	340	345
Soyabean Meal		500			430
Wheat	400 (t.b.a.)		350 350 (imported)	345 365 (imported)	380 380 (imported)
Wheat Bran		130		130	120
Groundnuts	450 (unshelled)		825 (shelled)	650-750 (shelled)	600 (shelled)

South African Foreign Exchange (SAFEX) as at 25 June 2010

Commodity	Rand/Tonne	US$/Tonne	Import Parity Rand/Tonne	Import Parity US$/Tonne
White Maize	1052	138	1212	159
Yellow Maize	1107	146	1267	167
Wheat	2298	302	2458	323
Soyabeans	2530	333	2690	354
Sunflowers	3320	437	3480	458

International Gulf

Commodity	US$/Tonne			Import Parity US$/Tonne
Wheat	186			336
Maize	165			315
Soyabeans	380			530

Source: South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS)

 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DAIRY FARMERS (from the desk of Rob Van Vuuren)

 

Please be reminded that the Commodities Forum AGM 2010 meeting at Troutbeck, Nyanga is taking place from 5^th to 7^th July.  The circular letter with details about this meeting was sent out via e-mail to the NADF group mailing list and has been sent out many times now.  Should you not have received this, please e-mail [email protected] and Debbie will gladly forward this to you.  We have had an overwhelming response regarding this function and it is promising to be the “hoe down” of the year.

 

Troutbeck Hotel is now fully booked as are the Blue Swallow Timeshares, so if you have not already secured your booking you may be able to do so at the following places :

 

Montclair                     :          (029) 3001 / 2441-6

 

Rhodes Hotel              :          (0298)376/7 or (0298)425 or 0913 504 983 or Fax (0298)477 or

[email protected]

 

Inn on the Rupurara   :          (029)3021/3024 or fax – (029) 3025 or [email protected] or 0712 865 883

or book through Armadillo Travel (04)302261/67

 

If you have made payment to Troutbeck Hotel via RTGS, please take your proof of payment with you to the conference as it will assist the Hotel with recording payments accurately.

 

Sponsors, please also note to fax/e-mail a copy of your RTGS deposit slips to Debbie so that our accounts department at CFU can receipt and allocate your payments correctly.

 

Troutbeck have advised that if you have booked and paid and you do not attend the conference, there will be NO refund of any money paid to them.

 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have made a booking at the hotel and you have not arrived by 6.00p.m. on Monday 5^th July, your room will be re-allocated to the next person on the waiting list.  Should you experience any problems on your journey or should your arrival be delayed, please advise one the following people and we will ensure that your room is not re-allocated:

 

Rob Van Vuuren             0912 311 612                 Debbie Mylroie               0914 177 447

Sue Bell                         0912 239 996                 Linda Nielsen                 0913 478 943

Richard Taylor               0912 311 704                 Clive Levy                     0912 231 068

Pam Cooper                   0912 248 730                 Hendrik Olivier               0912 235 640

June Nicholls                  0912 336 562

 

It is with pleasure that we advise that all meals have been covered by sponsorship, however the arrangement is that there will be a cash bar system.  There will be a US$10.00 charge per day for attending the conference.  On payment of this you will receive a name badge which must be worn at all times.  This badge will permit you entry into the dining room at mealtimes.

 

The Cheese and Wine cocktail party on Monday evening is a sponsored event.  If you require dinner, this will be for your own account.

 

Please note that the technical talks begin at 11.00a.m. on Monday 5^th July, so please plan your journey accordingly.

 

Rob Van Vuuren visited Troutbeck last weekend and has advised that fuel supplies are not good at Troutbeck.  There was some fuel available in Nyanga and at the Montclair, but please keep fuel in mind for your return journey.

 

Please remember to bring your sporting equipment with you; otherwise there will be a charge for hiring equipment at the Hotel.

 

The first Regional Mashonaland A AGM Meeting was cancelled due to no attendance by Farmers and stakeholders and the second meeting held at Commercial Farmers Union was also cancelled due to non attendance.  We are planning to try to hold a Mashonaland Regional AGM prior to the National AGM at Troutbeck if there are enough Mashonaland A Farmers attending.  Very sad indeed!  NADF really needs your support.

 

STABEX VACCINE PROGRAMME

We are currently negotiating with OBP to release our next order of vaccines with payment to follow.  Our stocks are generally low hence the urgency of this next delivery from OBP and Pfizer SA.  We are expecting delivery of this next shipment any day now.  Please bear with us.  OBP are hoping to be able to supply us with a consignment of Rift Valley Fever vaccine that has been on backorder for some time now.

 

To minimize paperwork at the office and make collection of vaccines easier for applicants, we are holding back issuing Vaccine Drawdown Authorisation Forms until we can supply the complete order.

 

 

CATTLE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

 

WEEKLY CATTLE PRICES

 

 

 

ACE

 

Wholesale prices in selected countries in East Africa are supplied by (RATIN) the Regional Agricultural Trade Intelligence Network. Current prices are indicated below and are valid as 22 June 2010. (N.B. Changes shown are calculated on the basis of today’s prices against those previously recorded, which may not necessarily be the previous days).

 

 

The following prices are also made available to us courtesy of SAFEX. 23 June 2010

X VOLUME WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE USED TO CALCULATE THE MTM [$ per Tonne]
Spot	23 jun -2010		Futures			MTM
MAIZE     US No 2 Yellow	GULF	154.25	MAIZE	May-10	CBOT	138.34
SOYA      US No 2 Yellow	GULF	377.54	MAIZE	Jul-10	CBOT	142.12
WHEAT   US No 2 Soft Red	GULF	186.75	MAIZE	Sep-10	CBOT	146.45
WHEAT   US No 1 Hard Red	GULF	161.30	SOYA	Mar-10	CBOT	354.72
			WHEAT	May-10	CBOT	169.24

 

Exchange Rates
MWK19.68 = 1 ZAR – down
MWK149. = 1 US$ down
ZAR 7.55 = I US$ – down

 

COMMENTS AND VIEWS

 

Please let us know your comments and views on items contained within this issue or any other issues of CFU Calling by sending an email to us on [email protected]Disclaimer: This email and files transmitted with it contain confidential and privileged information and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please — do not read, disseminate, distribute, copy or take action in reliance on this email and- delete it immediately and arrange for the deletion thereof on your server, and- notify the administrator immediately. Any unauthorised, use duplication or interception of this e-mail or any files transmitted with it is expressly and strictly prohibited. No representation, guarantee or undertaking (expressed or implied) is made or given- As to the confidentiality or security of the e-mail system’ or as to the accuracy of the information in this email and any files transmitted with it is virus-free. No responsibility or liability is accepted for: the proper, complete transmission of the information contained in this email or any files transmitted with it or any delay in its receipt; or rising from or as a result of the use of or reliance on the content of this email or any files transmitted with it. Any views expressed in this email or any files transmitted with it are not necessarily the views of the Commercial Farmers’ Union. Queries regarding this email or any files transmitted with it should be directed to [email protected]. This disclaimer forms part of the content of this e-mail for purposes of section 11 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2002 (Act No. 25 of 2002).