Sunflower and Soybean Forum (SSF)
held on 17 November 2008 at 10:00, at the offices of the Oilseeds Industry, Rivonia

1. Opening

   The meeting was opened with prayer offered by Mr GJH Scholtemeijer.

2. Welcome

   The Chairperson, Mr GJH Scholtemeijer, welcomed all to the meeting, with a special word of welcome to Mr Thinus Prinsloo, Ms Holy, Mr Shangase, and Dr van Twisk, who were all attending a meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum for the first time.

3. Attendance

   Present
   Mr GJH Scholtemeijer	PRF (Chairperson)
   Mr GJ Pretorius	GrainSA (Vice-Chairperson)
   Ms R Beukes	National Department of Agriculture
   Mr L Dames	OVK
   Ms A Enslin	SAGIS
   Dr M Griessel	PRF
   Ms G Holy	SANNIC
   Mr W Lemmer	GrainSA
   Mr V Mapfumari	National Department of Agriculture
   Mr ML Mosome	National Department of Agriculture
   Dr AA Nel	ARC-GCI
   Mr FAS Potgieter	GrainSA
   Mr B Prinsloo	EPKO
   Mr MT Prinsloo	ARC-GCI
   Mr M Shangase	National Department of Agriculture
   Ms J Tshupe	OAC
   Dr W van der Walt	OAC
   Dr P van Twisk	PVT Consultants
   Mr G Keun	CEO: OPDT / OAC
   Ms E Harmse	Secretariat
   Apologies
   Mr G de Bruin	NWK
   Dr H du Plessis	ARC-GCI
   Mr DJ Kok	Grain Silo Industry
   Mr W Loubser	SANSOR
   Mr PG Louw	Grain Silo Industry
   Mr B Makhafola	National Department of Agriculture
   Ms L Mellet	Marketing Council
   Mr C Smit	SWL
   Mr P van Heerden	PPECB
   Mr D van Straaten	SWL
   Ms K van Dyk	Syngenta

4. Personalia

   Condolences were extended to Mr Scholtemeijer and his family on the loss of his eldest brother. Congratulations were conveyed to Dr Maryke Labuschagne of the University of the Free State on being honoured as scientist of the year.

5. Confirmation of agenda

   The agenda was accepted as it stood, with the addition of:

   • Item 9.6 – Combustion enhancer;
   • Item 9.7 – Comprehensive crop insurance;
   • Item 9.8 – Consumer Protection Bill – update; and
   • Item 9.9 – Medical Research Council – diagnostics.

6. Approval of minutes

   1. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 22 April 2008

      Resolved:

      1. That the minutes of the meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum, which was held on 22 April 2008, be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting.

7. Matters arising

   1. Marketing aspects

      1. Crop Estimates / Intentions to plant

         The Chairperson tabled the documents reflecting the producers' intentions to plant summer crops during the 2008-2009 production season, and the area and third production forecasts of winter cereals for the 2008 production season, which were issued on 23 October 2008 by the Crop Estimates Committee. He called on Ms Beukes to comment.

         Ms Beukes reported that the sunflower production forecast of 872 000 tons for the 2007-2008 production season had been adjusted upward by 1,5% to an estimated 885 000 tons. She added that the soybean production forecast had been adjusted downward by 8,5% from the previous estimate of 308 000 tons to 282 000 tons.

         Ms Beukes said the Department of Agriculture's survey on the producers' intentions to plant summer crops included information sourced from seed companies, a sample of producers, and Provincial Departments of Agriculture. In the case of sunflower, the expected plantings had increased by 3,9%, with an expected 586 400 hectares being planted, compared to the previous season's 564 300 hectares. She mentioned that the planting of soybeans was expected to increase by 37,5% against the previous year, with 227 500 hectares being planted, as opposed to the 165 400 hectares planted the previous year.

         Mr Potgieter said he was delighted with the producers' intentions to plant more soybeans in the 2008-2009 production season, and said he hoped these plantings would be realised.

         Resolved:

         1. That cognisance be taken of the the producers' intentions to plant summer crops during the 2008-2009 production season, and the area and third production forecasts of winter cereals for the 2008 production season.

            Members

      2. SAGIS

         The Chairperson tabled the various items of information issued by SAGIS, viz the Market Information dated 17 November, the Weekly Bulletin dated 28 October, the Monthly Bulletin, dated 23 October, and the addendum to the Market Information. He called on Ms Enslin to comment.

         Ms Enslin mentioned that import data for the various oil seeds had been sourced from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and was reflected in the Monthly Bulletin and the Addendum. She said the oilseeds industry was represented on the SAGIS Board of Directors by Messrs Pretorius, Scholtemeijer and Gordon, who served on behalf of the grain sorghum industry as well as an alternate member for the oilseeds industry. She added that the role players' satisfaction with the information published by SAGIS was tested at least once a year during forum meetings.

         The Chairperson said the directors representing the oil seeds industry on the SAGIS Board of Directors were satisfied with the current state of affairs at SAGIS.

         Dr Griessel referred to page 11 of the document on Market Information. He suggested that the information on the total imports of oilcake and other solid residues for the first six months of 2008 should be made available to GrainSA, so as to alert them to the fact that soybean oilcake represented approximately 421 000 tons of the total of 482 908 tons of oilcake imported. He said GrainSA should take this information into consideration, so as to get a clearer picture of local soybean needs. The Chairperson said the total local demand for soybeans could not be calculated without including the import data. He said it would only be reasonable to inform producers that the local demand for soybeans significantly exceeded local production. Mr Potgieter confirmed that GrainSA would include the data in their demand and supply figures.

         With reference to page 7 of the Market Information document, Dr Griessel said it seemed to him as if there was a possibility of an over-supply of sunflower, taking the producers' intentions to plant into account. Mr Bert Prinsloo said he was not really concerned about the possibility of an over-supply of sunflower, as he thought the new season's crop would come in late, at mid- to end-April, since planting commenced later than usual, due to the rains which came in at a late stage.

         Resolved:

         1. That cognisance be taken that GrainSA would include the data on soybean oilcake imports in their demand and supply figures, so as to provide producers with a clear view of local soybean needs.

            Members

   2. Strategic plan for grain industry

      (Resolution 7.3.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 22 April 2008)

      The Chairperson introduced the matter for discussion, and asked whether any feedback on the strategic plan for the grain industry had been received from the Department of Agriculture (DOA).

      Mr Keun replied that he had not received any reports on whether the matter had been progressed or not. Mr Mosome said he could not enlighten the meeting on the matter, as the Strategic Division of the DOA had been tasked to handle the strategic plan for the grain industry.

      The Chairperson ruled that the matter be deleted from the agenda until such time relevant feedback had been received from the Strategic Division of the DOA.

   3. Soybean rust

      The Chairperson mentioned that the Protein Research Foundation had established a Soybean Rust Work Group a number of years ago. He reported that the Group met on an annual basis, and tabled the minutes of the meeting of the Soybean Rust Work Group, held on 12 August 2008. He noted that the meetings were well attended, and more importantly, that the members were well representative of the industry.

      The Chairperson said the members had been informed of the early soybean rust detection and warning system, or sentinel crops, at a previous meeting. He said producers were alerted to the occurence of rust timeously so that they could implement preventative measures on their crops. Mr Potgieter conveyed the producers' gratitude for this service.

      Dr Griessel said the possibility had been mentioned that the project may be terminated, due to a shortage of manpower. He said the Soybean Rust Work Group had expressed their concern about this, as they considered the sentinel crops to be indispensable. He mentioned that the matter had been referred to the Technology Committee of the Protein Research Foundation (PRF) for consideration. The Chairperson said the matter would be discussed with the ARC-GCI.

      The meeting took cognisance that the soybean rust pamphlet was being revised and updated, and would be distributed to all the role players as soon as possible.

   4. Consumption of edible oil in South Africa

      (Resolution 7.5.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 22 April 2008)

      The Chairperson reported that the offices of the oil seeds industry had for some time been attempting to obtain reliable data on the total consumption of edible oil in South Africa, what the source of the oil was, whether sunflower, canola, groundnut, cotton, etcetera, and what the quantity of imports was. He said various figures had been bandied about, and added that the oil processing industry's association had not been forthcoming with any reliable information.

      In response to the Chairperson's request for feedback, Mr Keun mentioned that Mr Baker of the Oil Processors' Association had been tasked with a project to source information in this regard, but that no progress reports had been received. He said he had however approached Dr Meyer, associated with the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), who had indicated that BFAP would make reliable information available to the offices of the oil seeds industry at the earliest opportunity.

      Dr van Twisk said he had assisted the Oil Processors' Association with a submission to the Department of Health in response to the new labelling regulations, and had obtained figures of oil consumption for South Africa for 2005 and a projected figure for 2010 from the international organisation Data Monitor. He undertook to make a condensed version of this data, which included a breakdown of the different types of oil, usage and so forth, available to the offices of the oilseeds industry. The Chairperson thanked Dr van Twisk for this information, and said Dr van Twisk's condensed version of Data Monitor's information would be included in the documentation of the next meeting.

      In response to a question by Mr Lemmer, Dr van Twisk said that Data Monitor did not provide information on the available and the utilised local press capacity. Mr Bert Prinsloo mentioned that local pressing capacity had recently increased from 1,2 million tons to 1,5 million tons of seed, and added that total production determined utilisation. He said the pressing capacity could be converted from sunflower to soya, should there be no sunflower seed available for pressing.

      Resolved:

      1. That cognisance be taken that a condensed version of Data Monitor's information, which includes a breakdown of the different types of oil, usage and so forth, would be included in the documentation of the next meeting.

         Mr Keun
         Dr van Twisk
         Members

   5. Retention of grain as seed

      (Resolution 9.3.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 22 April 2008)

      The Chairperson said during a previous meeting the Forum had taken cognisance of GrainSA's intention to apply to the National Department of Agriculture for a statutory levy to be imposed on soybean producers, in order to support the development of new soybean cultivars. He invited comment on progress on the matter from GrainSA.

      Mr Potgieter reported that the application had apparently been handled, but that he had nothing further to report on. The Chairperson ruled that the matter be held in abeyance until such time feedback had been received from GrainSA.

      Resolved:

      1. That cognisance be taken of GrainSA's intention to apply to the National Department of Agriculture for a statutory levy to be imposed on soybean producers, in order to support the development of new soybean cultivars.

         Members

   6. Sunflower symposium

      The Chairperson reported that the Sunflower Symposium was presented with much success at Bothaville on 11 September 2008. He said Mr Larry Kleingartner of the American National Sunflower Association had acted as keynote speaker, with Mr Janovsky addressing local market size and opportunities and Dr van Twisk dealing with consumer needs. He mentioned that Mr Mathews had detailed the commercial sunflower producers' needs, with Ms McPherson looking at the needs of emerging sunflower producers.

      The Chairperson said technical matters were handled after lunch with Mr Potgieter, research manager of sunflower at Pannar, speaking about breeding sunflower cultivars, Dr Nel dealing with cultivation practices, and Mr van der Westhuizen addressing the issue of sclerotinia. He invited comment from the members, and said the way forward with regard to sunflower production would be discussed under item 9.5 on the agenda.

      Mr Keun noted that approximately 140 persons, representative of the whole spectrum of the sunflower industry, attended the symposium. He said the symposium proceedings would be provided to all who attended the symposium, and to those members of the Forum who did not attend the symposium, but would be interested in obtaining a copy of the proceedings of the Sunflower Symposium.

      In response to a question by Mr Lemmer, the Chairperson said there were no plans in the offing to host an annual Sunflower Symposium, but that the matter was open for discussion. He said the original plan had been to host annual events featuring the various oilseeds in rotation, although this had not come to fruition. Mr Lemmer said an increased interest in high oleic soybean and groundnut cultivars had been noted, and that it could be relevant to address the problems and concerns these cultivars raised at an early stage, so that production of high oleic cultivars could be promoted.

8. Research

   1. Sclerotinia survey

      (Resolution 8.1.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 22 April 2008)

      The Chairperson said the oilseeds industry was indebted to the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) for conducting an annual survey on the occurence of sclerotinia. He tabled the presentation prepared by the CEC on the occurence of sclerotinia on soybeans and sunflower during the 2007-2008 production season.

      The Chairperson referred the members to the graph reflecting the incidence of sclerotinia since the 2005-2006 production season, and remarked that there was a fairly high incidence of sclerotinia on both soybeans and sunflower in the 2005-2006 season, with a markedly decreased incidence reported in the next production season, with a slight increase of sclerotinia infection on sunflower, and a highly increased incidence of sclerotinia infection on soybeans, in the 2007-2008 production season.

      The Chairperson mentioned that the survey was conducted amongst a random selection of producers, with 41% of the sunflower producers and 31% of the soybean producers responding to the survey. He noted that 3,4% of the area planted to sunflower, or 19 000 hectares, had been infected by sclerotinia, while 15,5% of the area planted to soybeans, or 27 000 hectares, had suffered sclerotinia infection.

      The Chairperson reported that the Sclerotinia Work Group had met during July, and quoted from the minutes of said meeting. He said although there had been a relatively limited occurence of sclerotinia in the North West Province, a few severe cases of infection had occurred, with in excess of 90% infection observed on certain fields of sunflower, while sclerotinia infection on soybeans in the North West Province was considered to be negligible. He added that sclerotinia infection on sunflower had for the first time invaded the area to the west of Koster. He noted that a new phenomenon had been observed, namely Charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina), which was unrelated to sclerotinia, and was considered to be a serious problem, world wide, and occurred in sandy, high-temperature soils, especially when drought stress conditions were prevalent, resulting in early die-down of the plants. He added that this disease could very well be confused with stem sclerotinia.

      The Chairperson continued quoting from the Sclerotinia Work Group minutes, and informed the members that stem and root sclerotinia occurred early in the season in Mpumalanga, with as much as 40% to 50% of the plants dying in certain sunflower plantings. He mentioned that high rainfall during the flowering period had resulted in sclerotinia head rot, that sclerotinia infection had been observed in certain sunflower plantings in Lichtenburg, while sclerotinia infection had not been observed in the Free State. He concluded by saying that serious sclerotinia infection had been observed on a farm in Kinross, with a 70% to 80% infection measured in certain fields. He mentioned that sclerotinia infection had previously occurred on this farm. He added that no significant sclerotinia infection had been observed at Greytown, Radium and Brits.

      Dr Van Twisk asked whether sclerotinia had a negative effect on oil quality. Mr Bert Prinsloo said sclerotinia infection resulted in hard sunflower seeds, with the result that the pressing process had to be stopped and the hard seeds removed. The Chairperson said to the best of his knowledge the effect of sclerotinia infection on the quality of oil had not been researched, and undertook to investigate the matter with contacts in the Americas, and provide feedback on the matter at a following meeting of the Forum.

      Dr Griessel considered the information disseminated by the survey to be of much importance. He said the information could be used in conjunction with historic data on climatic conditions to create prediction models on sclerotinia-occurence. He asked whether it would be possible to continue with the surveys. Ms Beukes confirmed that the CEC would conduct a survey on the occurence of sclerotinia on sunflower and soybeans, on receipt of a written application from the offices of the oilseeds industry.

      In response to a question by Mr Lemmer, the Chairperson reported that the survey aimed to determine whether sclerotinia infection had occured or not, and did not establish what the severity of infection was. Following on Dr Griessel's remarks, he said if a pattern could be established, a research project could be registered with the view to establishing the severity of sclerotinia infection.

      Mr Potgieter mentioned that GrainSA could appeal to producers to respond to the CEC's sclerotinia surveys, as this would facilitate sourcing more accurate data on the occurence of the disease. The Chairperson said once the CEC had confirmed that the survey would be continued, GrainSA could be informed of such, and requested to motivate producers to respond to the survey, as the producers' cooperation would serve in their own best interests.

      The Forum took cognisance of the feedback on the occurence of sclerotinia during the previous season, and that sclerotinia was considered to be a problem of major proportions worldwide.

      Resolved:

      1. That the Crop Estimates Committee be formally requested to continue with the survey on the occurence of sclerotinia during the 2008/2009 season.

         Mr Keun

      2. That GrainSA be informed that the survey on the occurence of sclerotinia would be conducted during the 2008-2009 season, once the Crop Estimates Committee had confirmed such, and that GrainSA be requested to motivate producers to respond to the survey, as the producers' cooperation would serve their own best interests.

         Mr Keun

      3. ThThat it be investigated whether the effect of sclerotinia infection on the quality of oil had been researched, with feedback being provided at a following meeting of the Forum.at

         Mr Keun

   2. Damage caused by pigeons on sunflower

      (Resolution 8.2.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 22 April November 2008)

      The Chairperson reported on the status quo of the matter regarding the problem of damage caused by pigeons on sunflower. He said Dr Ray Jansen of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) had agreed to undertake a literature survey on the matter, but that no further communication had been received to date.

      The Chairperson said Mr Kleingartner had also been approached for assistance in this regard. The members of the Forum took cognisance of this information, and noted that feedback on the matter will be provided as and when available.

      Resolved:

      1. That feedback on the matter of pigeon damage to sunflower will be provided as and when available.

         Members

   3. Research projects 2009/2010

      Cognisance was taken of the list of registered research projects on sunflower and soybean for 2009/2010.

9. Additional matters

   1. Information days

      The Chairperson urged the members of the Forum to notify the offices of the oilseeds industry of forthcoming information days or events of interest to the Forum. Mr Keun mentioned that the NAMPO Harvest Day was planned for 12 to 15 May 2009. Mr Thinus Prinsloo confirmed that the ARC-GCI did not plan to present an information day during 2009.

      Noted:

      1. That the NAMPO Harvest Day is planned for 12 to 15 May 2009.

         Members

   2. High oleic sunflower

      (Resolution 7.5.4 of the minutes of the Research Priority Committe of the Oilseeds Advisory Committee of 3 October 2008)

      The Chairperson tabled Annexure F, containing a set of documents on high oleic sunflower, zero trans fats and the international trend toward healthy oils and foodstuffs.

      The Chairperson reported that Dr de Kock of the Protein Research Foundation (PRF) had led a fact finding mission on various matters, including the subject at hand, to Australia. He said although the report on the mission had not yet been finalised, the Forum would, with the PRF's permission, be informed of relevant information sourced during the mission.

      The Chairperson introduced the matter of high oleic sunflower, healthy oils and transfats, and opened the matter for discussion. In response to a question on the negative effects of transfats, the Chairperson said according to research, an excess of transfatty acids rendered individuals prone to heart attacks. He noted that three American States as well as Denmark had thus far placed a ban on foodstuffs with a transfat content in excess of 2%, as such foods were deleterious to one's health. Dr van Twisk added that transfats were conducive to the formation of cholesterol, and that the deleterious effect of transfats on the cardiovascular system had been acknowledged internationally.

      With reference to the local situation, the Chairperson reported that Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) had approached the oilseeds industry some three years ago to determine what could be done with regard to the production of healthier oilseeds. He mentioned that a research project on mid oleic sunflower was being conducted at the University of the Free State, and that it had recently come to the attention that high oleic sunflower seed was already commercially available. He said Mr Bert Prinsloo would confirm that edible oil companies were importing healthier oils to meet local demand. Dr van Twisk confirmed that Simba had been investigating high oleic oils, and were looking for local production. He said he wished to make it very clear that vegetable oils were very low in cholesterol and trans fats, but added that certain vegetable oils, such as palm olein, contained high levels of saturated fats, which was frowned on by nutritionists. He said high oleic sunflower oil was more stable and contained a very low level of saturated fatty acids. The Chairperson said a longer shelf life was enabled by the process of hydrogenation, which however did not promote good health.

      Mr Pretorius expressed his concern that high oleic sunflower could be deficient in vitamin E. Dr van Twisk said vitamin E, as an important fat soluble vitamin, was considered to be highly desirable in the human diet. He added that sunflower had a high content of the active form of vitamin E, and that it had yet to be established whether or not this was the case with high oleic sunflower as well. He said consideration should also be given to the fact that two essential fatty acids, viz linolenic and linoleic acids, were not produced by the body and had to be taken in through food. He mentioned that sunflower oil had a good content of linoleic acid, and if one of the essential fatty acids had to be eliminated in the process of breeding high oleic acid sunflower, one would be faced with a problem. Dr van Twisk reported that 90% of local households had sunflower oil in their food cupboards, according to a survey undertaken in recent years. He agreed that he would forward pertinent questions on high oleic sunflower to the offices of the oilseeds industry. The Chairperson said experts in the United States could be approached for a view on the matter under discussion. Dr van der Walt mentioned that the human nutrition division of the Medical Research Council was well equipped to do analyses of vegetable oil composition.

      Mr Bert Prinsloo cautioned producers against demanding to be paid a higher premium for the production of high oleic sunflower. Mr Lemmer reported that he had visited KFC, and had established that KFC wished to replace the palm oil they currently used with oil with a high oleic content in excess of 80%. He said approximately 30 000 tons of high oleic oil would be required by KFC. Mr Bert Prinsloo indicated that he would make space available to process high oleic sunflower separately, if he were to be provided with high oleic sunflower seed.

      Resolved:

      1. That American experts be approached on the issue of the linolenic, linoleic and vitamin E content of high oleic sunflower.

         Mr Keun

   3. Articles

      Cognisance was taken of the articles "Oliesaadpryse ondervind skerp afwaartse regstelling", "Monitering help om sojaboonroes te voorkom", "Plaassaad – wat sê die wet" and "Algemene vrae oor die lisensiëring van variëteite", all published in the September 2008 edition of the magazine SAGraan.

   4. Website

      Cognisance was taken that the website of the oilseeds industry was due to go live early in the new year, depending on the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust's approval of the website.

   5. Collaboration with international researchers

      The Chairperson tabled Mr Kleingartner's letter dated 30 September, containing details of suggested collaborative research on sclerotinia stalk rot in sunflower, avian damage on sunflower, and no-till production practices in sunflower and soybean production.

      The Chairperson said the wheel should not be reinvented locally, if information could be sought elsewhere, and that Mr Kleingartner's suggestions should be taken up. He opened the matter for discussion and comment.

      With reference to Mr Kleingartner's suggestions on no-till, Mr Pretorius said he did not experience problems with weed control in sunflower. He said Mr Kleingartner made mention of the high costs involved with sulfentrazone, an important weed control option in no-till, and added that local producers were battling costs on all fronts. He wagered that South African climatic conditions may present problems with regard to applying American products locally, as was the case with the application of a certain biocontrol agent on groundnuts. The Chairperson cautioned that Mr Kleingartner was merely breaking new ground, and that his suggestions should be considered as suggestions per se.

      Dr Nel said weed control on sunflowers did not present much of a problem in the western areas, such as North West Province and North West Free State. He added that this was not the case in the Mpumalanga Province, and that there would be a definite opportunity for Clearfield®- and, at a later stage, Express® tolerant sunflower cultivars to be planted in that area. As far as the Argentinians were concerned, he recommended that contact be established at the earliest convenience, as Argentina was considered to be at the cutting edge of sunflower research. He said the Argentinian soil was considered to be of premium quality, with the need for additional fertilization to be minimal. He agreed that international research collaboration would be highly advantageous.

      The Chairperson reported that the PRF had managed to tie up an agreement with the agricultural research institution EMBRAPA in Brazil, and that an agreement with the research institution INTA in Argentina was in the offing. He said both institutions had bilateral agreements with the ARC. Dr Griessel expressed his optimism at the proposed collaborative research initiative. He said Clearfield® offered an opportunity to the many producers who were currently expressing an interest in no-till. He added that anthraquinone also offered an opportunity with regard to avian damage on crops.

      The Chairperson concluded by saying that, although detail could be differed upon, which differences could be referred back to the various technical committees, there had to be agreement that international collaboration was of critical importance. He said both the ARC and GrainSA would be given the opportunity to make their inputs to this initiative.

      Resolved:

      1. That the matter of international research collaboration be referred to the Research Priority Committee of the OPDT/OAC and to the PRF's Technology Committee.

         Mr Keun

   6. Combustion enhancer

      The Chairperson called on Ms Holy to inform the members of the Forum on the discussion item, which had been added to the agenda at her request. Ms Holy said the product, which went under the name NAF-Tech, had been tested and approved by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) as compliant with the latest SANS 342-2006 specification. She added that this ensured that the product would have no detrimental mechanical side effects when blended with any fuel. She mentioned that the product could save farmers up to 50% of their transport costs. She said product insurance of R5m per application had also been obtained.

      Cognisance was taken that the relevant documentation would be available at the offices of the oilseeds industry.

   7. Comprehensive crop insurance

      Mr Pretorius said in the past producers were responsible for their own individual crop insurance, with only input costs being covered. He said it was incom-prehensible how a producer could survive, if he were to suffer the loss of his total yield.

      Mr Pretorius said the American model, where one third of the insurance was paid by the producer, one third by federal government and one third by the state government, and provided comprehensive insurance, loss of crop included, was much more acceptable. He said this model would be highly desirable in South Africa. He suggested that the oil seeds industry propagate implementing an insurance model similar to the American model, as the survival of the South African farming industry was at stake. He said the producer carried the full responsibility and all of the risk for food security and cautioned that South Africa, which used to be an exporter of food, was now a nett importer of food.

      The Chairperson ruled that the possible local implementation of the American farming insurance model, where one third of the insurance was paid by the producer, one third by federal government and one third by the state government, and which provided comprehensive insurance, loss of crop included, be referred to the Oilseeds Advisory Committee for further deliberation.

      Resolved:

      1. That the possible local implementation of the American farming insurance model, where one third of the insurance was paid by the producer, one third by federal government and one third by the state government, and which provided comprehensive insurance, loss of crop included, be referred to the Oilseeds Advisory Committee for further deliberation.

         Mr Keun

   8. Consumer Protection Bill – update

      Dr van der Walt reported that the Consumer Protection Bill had been developed by the Department of Trade and Industry without proper consultation with major stakeholders and the Department of Agriculture. He said the bill made provision for the mandatory labelling of all foods and ingredients that originated from genetically modified organisms. He said although a number of objections had been submitted to the Portfolio Committee by a range of parties, no reaction had been received.

      Dr van der Walt reported that the Bill had since been promulgated at an informal gathering in the former Transkei. He considered it necessary for all links in the food value chain to take part in further actions, and said there were a number of options for labelling. Dr van der Walt said he was drafting an article on this matter for publication in SAGrain, and that he intended drafting a letter to the various stakeholders, advising them on the status of the Bill on Consumer Protection.

      The Chairperson said Dr van der Walt could liaise with the offices of the oilseeds industry, if further assistance should be required.

   9. Medical Research Council – diagnostics

      The Chairperson invited Dr van der Walt to take the floor, as he had requested that the discussion item be added to the agenda. Dr van der Walt said he had recently visited the Medical Research Council to attend a Human Nutrition meeting. He mentioned that the MRC had the capacity to analyse individual mycotoxins.

10. Election of office bearers

    1. Election of Chairperson

       Mr Keun took the chair. He said the Forum had resolved that office bearers would be elected for a period of two years, in order to ensure continuity and in line with the Constitution of the Oilseeds Advisory Committee. He mentioned that the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Forum represented the Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee. He noted that Mr Pretorius, as Vice Chairperson, represented the Sunflower Forum, with the Chairperson representing the Soybean Forum on the OAC.

       The members were in agreement that nominations for the position of Chairperson of the Forum would be made verbally. Mr Scholtemeijer was elected unopposed to the position of Chairperson of the Forum for a period of two years, and as representative of the Soybean Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee.

       Resolved:

       1. That Mr GJH Scholtemeijer be elected unopposed to the position of Chairperson of the Forum for a period of two years, and as representative of the Soybean Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee.

          Mr Keun

11. Dates of meetings

    The dates of meetings of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum for 2009 were confirmed as:

    • 17 February 2009,
    • 21 April 2009,
    • 4 August 2009, and
    • 17 November 2009.

12. Adjournment

    The Chairperson thanked the members of the Forum for their attendance at, and contributions to, the meeting. He wished all well over the festive season. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 12:30.