05 FEBRUARY 2010
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EXECUTIVE NEWS
During this coming week there will be several important meetings being held at CFU Headquarters. Firstly, on Tuesday 9 February 2010 your CFU Council will be meeting in the morning.
This will be followed on Tuesday 9 February 2010 by an open Farmers’ Meeting which will commence at 14:30pm and will be well worth attending. If you are in Harare at that time it is in your interest to make every effort to attend this meeting at which we would be very pleased to hear your opinions and ideas. From our side we will give you an update on the ongoing events and negotiations on our way forward etc. Refreshments will be served at the meeting. You will have the opportunity of meeting the team individually.
The third meeting will be the Annual General meeting of Farmers in Touch (FIT), which will be held in the dining room at CFU headquarters at 3pm on Thursday 11 February 2010. It is the intention of the FIT Committee to reconstitute the association and to become more proactive in the future so they are requesting your mandate, support and suggestions on how to adequately achieve this. The agenda for the meeting is set out below:
COMMERCIAL FARMERS UNION
FARMERS IN TOUCH
AGENDA FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
TO BE HELD IN THE CFU DINING ROOM ON THE 11TH FEBRUARY 2010 AT 3PM
——————————————————————————————————–
1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Adoption of Previous AGM Minutes
4. Chairman Report Back
5. Adoption of Chairman’s Report
6. Financial Report
7. CFU Report – President: Mr D Theron, Vice-President: Mr C Taffs
8. Introduction of CEO – Mr B Purcell-Gilpin
9. Farm Family Trust – Mr R Brooker
10. FIT and the way forward. Name change – Mr P Steyl
11. Election of Office Bearers
12. Presentation by Valcon – Mr G Mullett
a) Extent and power of the database
b) Mapping supporting the database
c) Compensation
d) General and specific questions regarding Compensation
13. Announcement of new Committee
14. Any Other Business
15. Thanks
In last week’s CFU Calling we touched on the evictions in Chipinge and the subsequent arrest of past President of the CFU Trevor Gifford and Dawie Joubert. They subsequently spent 4 days in imprisonment in Chipinge and then Mutare where they finally appeared before the court on Monday this week. The result was that they were charged and remanded until 16 February 2010.
The below is a report sent in by Mrs Lorna Joubert:
“Saturday evening: we saw Dawie & Trevor briefly for feeding, and were advised they could be fed again at 08h00 the following morning.
Sunday: When we were allowed through for feeding, Trevor and Dawie were being transferred to CID for further questioning, and we were permitted to feed them at CID offices, while also being asked to answer questions regarding their profiles.
A visit was paid to them by Xavier Marchal, the EU Ambassador in Zimbabwe, in his official capacity – Trevor is employed as a consultant by the EU. He was first advised that he could see Trevor and Dawie at 08h45, and that the police first needed to consult their superiors. He was later advised that he required permission from Harare, before he could be given access to them. He returned to Harare much later, without seeing them.
At lunchtime, only one person was permitted to enter to feed both inmates.
In the evening, we were both allowed in again, but had to see them separately. Afterwards, we were advised that this was because a dangerous carjacker was in the cells, and security had been heightened.
Monday:
The men were taken to court at around 10h45. They now had three charges against them, as follows:
Count 1: Contempt of Court Section 182 – Chapter 9:23
Count 2: Obstruction of a public official – Section 182 Chapter 9:23
Count 3: Criminal nuisance: Section 46(V) Chapter 9:23
The description of what they had done are false, and they have denied all charges.
After discussions between the two’s lawyer and the public prosecutor, the following was agreed to:
OUTCOME: they are to return to court on 16th February.
CONDITIONS: They were released on bail of US$200 each.
They are not permitted to change their place of residence.
They are not permitted to interfere with state witnesses.
They have to report fortnightly to Chipinge CID, on Fridays.
The public prosecutor initially asked for the following:
Bail of US$1000-00 each.
That they report daily to CID Chipinge.
That they surrender their passports.
The two were released about an hour after the court proceedings, were whisked away for a bath and a meal, various discussions with interested people who had attended the court proceedings, before leaving for Chipinge, arriving late last night. They have both had a good rest.”
We have taken the liberty to publish this extract of Lorna’s constant updates which she compiled and forwarded to us every day during her family’s ordeal because this is an example of what we have been requesting from all farmers who have faced similar problems over the past period of extreme disruptions to our farming activities and our lives in general. We would like to thank her publically for keeping us so well informed as this in turn assists us in our constant efforts to resolve the problems which farmers are facing every day.
Factual information is constantly being gathered and recorded and is now being written into a very comprehensive database which has been recently designed for the Union, which will eventually stop us pestering you for repeated requests for the same information. However, while the database is still under construction we encourage everyone to kindly bear with us and complete and return any forms requesting specific information as diligently as possible.
To this end we have this week extensively altered the face of the CFU website www.cfuzim.org which we continue to encourage people to log into and to give us further comments, advise and to let us know what you would personally like to find in the website. After all, the website has been designed for you and you should be encouraged to make the best use of it. Please remember, that despite this week’s facelift the site is still ‘work in progress’ as the design and input will take years to finally complete, if ever, because our input is constant.
Perhaps what you will find useful on the web page is the “Search” button on the top right hand corner which will help you find documents or subjects which you are looking for on the site. Communication being the most important aspect of the site is borne out by the ease of communication with us offered through the “Contact Us” button. Once you have brought up this page you merely click on the name of the person you would like to send a message to and then follow the instructions to send an email to the person whom you wish to send to.
Just a word of warning though, it may not be an idea to clog up the emails of the people at the ‘Top Table’ as, without being derogatory, it may be a while before they would have time to wade through accumulating mail due to pressure of work. However, don’t let this discourage you as they are always happy to hear from you.
We also encourage you to register your vote on the Poll on how you rate our site, which only allows you to vote once. Then press the “Vote” button, which will show you the chart of how other people have voted our site. Don’t be shy, if you feel the site is rubbish then please tell us so we can improve it using your suggestions.
There is also a display on the top right, which shows you how to check if you’re Membership Card has been processed and whether it is ready for collection.
With regard to the NADF and Crops Information Request please click on “this form” which will bring up a copy of the form which we are requesting to be filled in. Save it on your computer and then send as an attachment to the address provided at the bottom of the request.
There are also daily updates taken from articles in the press which concern farming issues – our CFU policy has always been to keep well out of politics though. Up to half a dozen new articles, which are ‘hot off the press’ are inserted daily. The dozen most recent articles posted are listed at the bottom of the page for your convenience. Just click on the one of your choice.
Should you find any articles about agriculture which you think may interest farmers please do not hesitate to contact us so we may consider posting them on the site.
What many people may be interested in is our affiliation to other regional and international bodies so we have put in links to the other unions for you to log into, should you so desire, e.g. SACAU, IFAP and AgriSA.
On the front page of our website there is a 5-day weather report for Harare, which is changed every day. However, should you wish to find out a more detailed weather report about your particular district just click on “Weather” and choose the most desirable website.
Many people going onto the site have been put off by the passwords requested in the “Login Form” box. This is only for exclusive CFU information and information concerning Labour and employment issues, which is only open to paid up members. Paid up members need to contact Natanya Scott for their passwords.
We have just opened a section for the South African Farmers’ Group but as this is currently under construction Vice President Louis Fick’s recent newsletter is therefore copied below:
“S.A. Nationals who are farming or have farmed in Zimbabwe have organized themselves as a group. This structure aims to get protection for S.A. Nationals still farming or compensation for members who have lost their land, equipment and other assets.
We meet with the S.A. Embassy almost once a week to discuss issues on behalf of our members. We are busy getting our database organized and 343 members have registered to date.
We would like to invite you to register with us by sending us your S.A. Id no, Names, Farm name, District and contact details, once you have joined you will be added to our mailing list and receive updates on the way forward.
Contact details [email protected] ”
This week there has been constant lobbying carried out on your behalf during which updated factual documents are being distributed on your behalf. One of the meetings attended this week is described by Marc Carrie-Wilson in the report below:
Report on Visit by the British Members of Parliament
From the Desk of Marc Carrie-Wilson
Readers may be aware that over the past fortnight or so 8 members of the British House of Commons were in Zimbabwe on a fact finding mission. Their primary focus was on how development aid channelled to Zimbabwe from the British Government was being spent. They have toured the country and seen some of the various projects with which the British Government is involved. This Group of MPs is called the Africa All Party Parliamentary Group and has since produced a report on Land in Zimbabwe following an assessment of evidence submitted to it last year. This report will be available for your information on our website.
The President of the Union and myself were invited to attend a short round table discussion on the Land question in Zimbabwe in order to better inform the MPs just prior to their departure. Other participants invited to the discussion included Professor Sam Moyo (who in the past has written many works generally in support of Land Reform), Professor Ian Scoones (a British academic who has also conducted a study of Model A1 and A2 farmers in the Masvingo Province and generally argues for Land Reform), Dale Dore a land academic who has recently prepared an interesting discussion paper on Agricultural Recovery in Zimbabwe for the UNDP, Gertrude Hambira (Secretary General of GAPWUZ) and another representative from the donor community.
Although the meeting, was mainly for the benefit of the MPs who wished to know more about the present situation there were some key points that emerged from the discussion:
· Despite moves toward gradual economic recovery the agricultural sector remains in impasse largely due to conflict and illegality which still persists on the Land.
· There is need for donor engagement in the Agricultural Sector in order to stabilise it and ensure recovery but by the same token there are things that can be done for free (for example declaring a moratorium on Land Reform).
· The British Government and the British Tax payer do not consider themselves responsible for the payment of compensation of “former” owners nor will they make funds available.
· The Donor community is engaging with pro Fast Track Land Reform thinkers and ensure our voice and arguments are equally loud if not louder.
· Commercial Farmers have never stood against Land Reform but we do not accept Fast Track Land Reform as being a legitimate attempt to resolve the Land question.
· The SADC Tribunal ruling was a significant milestone.
· Adequate and secure property rights are the basis of harnessing collateral value, fostering investor confidence and empowering Zimbabwean people.
Most of you have probably read the recent newsletter put out by the Valuation Consortium in which Graham Mullett expresses his satisfaction at the pace of registration of properties for valuation with the consortium. We have just received the latest updated list of registered properties which is available at the Union should you wish to check if your names are on their books. We once again encourage everyone to ensure that their farms are valued because you certainly don’t want to be left behind with all the current work we are carrying out on your behalf with regard to compensation.
With regard to the membership of the union we are encouraged at the enthusiasm and response to payment of membership so far this year. An interesting point was made at Finance Committee this week when it was pointed out that what we should actively campaign for is for all our previous 4 500 members to come aboard and should they all only pay the USD 100 subscription we would have sufficient funds to significantly expand the union to the benefit of all groups, whether farming or not.
Whilst on the subject we would like to clarify the membership fees, which are:
All categories of active farmers USD 600
Non-farmers under the age of 70 years USD 100
Non-farmers over the age of 70 years USD 10
Let us make this our goal for 2010 to spread the word and encourage all our friends who are both here in Zimbabwe, and those who have left, to rejoin your union, which continues to carry out so much work on your behalf. The more members we have the more horsepower we have and this also gives encouragement and assurance to those who are fighting on your behalf.
In closing we had another hostage situation in Rusape yesterday where an elderly man and his daughter-in-law sought refuge in a room in their house after it was besieged by a group of 13 youth, who had also stolen a 9mm pistol. Although the police were informed they initially refused to assist. It was only after many hours of discussion and debate that they finally rescued the terrified family at 9pm last night. Fortunately nobody was hurt.
Just to let you know we have just received a second consignment of Cathy Buckle’s Innocent Victims which is on sale at the Union.
A news flash just come in reports that Mr Crawford von Abo has just won his case in South Africa in a judgment which was handed down by Judge Prinsloo. The report says that the judge ordered the South African Government to sit around the table and work out the final amount and terms of payment. It is presumed that this would be followed by a consent order
COMMODITY UPDATE
ZIMBABWE CROP PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION (from the desk of Richard Taylor)
To all those that purchased Stabex fertiliser, you have till the end of next week to collect any outstanding fertiliser. If you have not collected by then, the EU are talking about any fertiliser not collected reverting back to the companies and farmers being reimbursed for the said fertiliser.
I trust you all have enjoyed the rain over the past week and not too much damage has been caused to those whom had that extended dry spell.
Local as at 05 February 2010 US$
South African Foreign Exchange (SAFEX) as at 05 February 2010
International Gulf
Source: South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS)
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DAIRY FARMERS (from the desk of Rob Van Vuuren)
Last week Sue, Farai and Linda, Alison and I attended the EU Review Workshop held at St. Lucia Park for all beneficiaries under the Stabex Programme. This was a chance for the participants to share their year’s progress, project plan for 2010 and detailed plans for the next quarter, including financial plans. It was very interesting to hear from the various projects and share the successes and challenges faced by all. We are happy to report that NADF received positive feedback on both our presentations and activities for both programmes and look forward to a successful year!
The following day the delegation went on a field trip to 2 of the projects under the Trade and Marketing Component – the beneficiaries under this component are NADF and Zimtrade. On NADF’s side, we visited the Marirangwe Milk Collection Centre. Delegates were given a history of the centre and updated on the project progress, followed by a tour of the Centre. We then proceeded to visit three farmers in the vicinity of the Centre, two of which were managing demonstration plots for the programme.
From here we proceeded to Mamina Dam, near Ngezi which is a small-holder irrigation programme for vegetable growers, being implemented by Zimtrade. This included a visit to the dam and several vegetable plots being operated under the Programme.
This week Ajs Kirk joined the team for a visit to Umzingwane, Gokwe and Guruve. The main purpose of these visits was for the team to evaluate project progress. We also intend to visit a few member farmers in the areas, in particular those managing demonstration plots. At the same time they inspected 12 jersey heifers and a bull that have been offered for sale to the Marketing Programme.
Farai Tinarwo spent most of this week vaccinating small scale cattle against Lumpy Skin Disease and QE in Chivu and Nharira.
On Wednesday, while Ajs attended a Gweru Regional meeting, Sue and Linda were at Gokwe MCC conducting an inspection of Centre rehabilitation and book-keeping.
The incidence of theileriosis is on the increase and is normal for this time of the year. Producers are encouraged to focus on their dipping programmes paying particular attention to dips being used with reference to tick resistance.
VACCINE PROGRAMME
Please note that with IMMEDIATE EFFECT applicants who have their vaccine order approved will have SEVEN (7) days from date of issue of the Vaccine Drawdown Authorisation Form to COLLECT THE FORM FROM NADF AND VACCINES FROM FIVET ANIMAL HEALTH, after which their allocation will be CANCELLED and a new application form will be required. This is to facilitate Fivet with limited refrigeration space and will get the vaccines moving quickly out to the country so that more drawdown orders can be received from OPB in Pretoria.
In addition, for vaccine orders that require payment, payment MUST be made in FULL before vaccines will be released by FIVET. Failure to pay will result in the entire order being cancelled.
These steps are not unreasonable as delays in the collection of vaccines are causing problems with monitoring stock levels and therefore vaccine availability.
Dr Rachel Stewart reports that she had a successful trip to Mozambique and that the Land O lakes project is progressing well there with milk production increasing in the small scale sector.
Visits to farms around the country are going well and cattle are looking in better condition countrywide. Some areas she visited were dry at the time of the visit but now think most areas have received some rain which is hopeful. This week she is visiting the Gweru area. Next week she will be in Kwe Kwe and farms around Harare.
It may be of interest to some to note the following statistics received from Dairy Services:
CATTLE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION
DVS have assured us that the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the Masvingo Province is under control.
The removal of the 15% VAT on the sale of live animals is making slow progress and a conclusive decision is awaited from the Ministry of Finance.
It may be of interest to some to note the following statistics received from Dairy Services:
WEEKLY CATTLE PRICES
FARMERS’ IN TOUCH (from the desk of Pete Steyl)
FIT (Farmers in Touch) is up and running and has an office in Agriculture House, Marlborough, room 116. The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for the Thursday 11th February 2010 at which there will be a name change and restructuring of FIT.
We look forward to seeing you all there and working with you in the future. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Shayne Wells on 309800 – 19 ext 249
ACE Trade Report for 05 February 2010
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 04 February 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).
Excerpts from the ZAMACE price report for0 4 February 2010.
The following prices are also made available to us courtesy of SAFEX 03rd February 2010.
X VOLUME WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE USED TO CALCULATE THE MTM
Exchange Rates
MWK 19.22 = 1 ZAR Unchanged
MWK 143.58 = 1 US $ Up
ZAR 7.47 = I US$ Unchanged
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).