Sunflower and Soybean Forum (SSF)
held on 24 November 2009 at 10:00, at the offices of the Oilseeds Industry, Rivonia

1. Opening

   The meeting was opened with a prayer offered by Mr FAS Potgieter.

2. Welcome

   The Chairperson, Mr GJH Scholtemeijer, welcomed all to the last meeting of the Forum for the year, with a special word of welcome to Ms Louw.

3. Attendance

   Present
   Mr GJH Scholtemeijer	Chairperson
   Mr GJ Pretorius	Vice-Chairperson
   Mr P Botha	GrainSA
   Mr L Dames	OVK
   Mr N Hawkins	GrainSA
   Mr CF Herbst	SAGIS
   Mr PG Louw	GSI
   Ms W Louw	SAGL
   Ms J Mabusela	DAFF
   Ms ME Mojapelo	DAFF
   Dr AA Nel	ARC-GCI
   Mr FAS Potgieter	GrainSA
   Mr MT Prinsloo	ARC-GCI
   Ms S Rudman	SANCU
   Ms M Scheepers	DAFF
   Ms JK Tshupe	OAC
   Dr W van der Walt	OAC
   Mr P van Heerden	PPECB
   Dr P van Twisk	PVT Consultants
   Mr G Keun	CEO: OPDT/OAC/PRF
   Ms E Harmse	Secretariat
   Apologies
   Mr G de Bruin	NWK
   Mr B Prinsloo	Epko
   Mr W Lemmer	GrainSA
   Mr W Loubser	SANSOR
   Mr L Verhoef	AgraTek Trade

4. Personalia

   Mr Potgieter was congratulated on the birth of his grandson.

5. Confirmation of agenda

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

   • Item 9.10 – SAGL: Extension of laboratory capacity;
   • Item 9.11 – Good Agricultural Practices – Mycotoxins.

6. Approval of minutes

   1. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 21 April 2009

      Resolved:

      1. That the minutes of the meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum, which was held on 21 April 2009, 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 document reflecting the producers' intentions to plant summer crops during the 2009-2010 production season, as well as a document titled "Oesskattings", compiled by Ms Scheepers. He called on Ms Scheepers to comment.

         Ms Scheepers said the first crop and preliminary area planted estimates were expected to be released in February 2010. She gave an overview of the production season 2008-2009 with regard to soybeans, and said a record crop of 509 295 tons had been produced during that season, which represented an 80,6% increase on the previous season. She said the area of 237 750 hectares planted, represented a 43,7% increase compared to that of the previous season. She added that the graph reflecting the soybean yield since 1987-1988 on page one of the document "Oesskattings" clearly indicated an upward trend in yield per hectare over the years.

         Ms Scheepers said SAGIS' data on producer deliveries plus retentions on farms had to be considered when finalising the crop estimates for the production season. She noted that the final soybean crop for 2008-2009 would be between 515 000 and 517 000 tons, if this information was taken into account, which implied that the Crop Estimates Committee had underestimated the final soybean crop by between 1,1 and 1,5%. Mr Hawkins remarked that the second and third production estimates for soybeans during the production season were approximately 25% lower than the final crop estimate. He said the Crop Estimates Liaison Committee (CELC) allowed for a 5% tolerance, but added that the soybean crop was exceptional compared to the previous three year average. Mr Louw mentioned that the Crop Estimates Committee had reconfirmed the area planted to soybeans, when they first realised that the soybean production estimate was off the mark. He said a yield per hectare of 3 tons plus had not been uncommon in Mpumalanga during the past season, which was considered to be a quite exceptional production season.

         Ms Scheepers reported that the producers had indicated that they intended to plant 271 000 hectares soybeans during the 2009-2010 season, a 14,0% increase on the previous season's plantings, and 73,3% more than the previous ten years' average of 156 4000 hectares. Mr Hawkins remarked that it was difficult to determine whether the intentions as indicated were going to be realised, but added that the soybean plantings GrainSA had thus far observed, had been quite extensive.

         Ms Scheepers reported on the production of sunflower during the 2008-2009 production season. She said the Crop Estimates Committee had estimated the commercial sunflower crop at 843 530 ton, which was 3,3% less than the previous season's production of 872 000 ton. She mentioned that the area planted to sunflower stood at 635 800 hectares, which was 12,7% higher than that of the previous season. She said she had also drawn up a graph on the annual sunflower yield since 1987-1988, which reflected that the average yield per hectare of 1,33 tons per hectare the previous season was 14,2% lower than that of the preceding production season. Mr Pretorius noted that the remarks he had made during the previous meeting about the large percentage of late sunflowers, that could be damaged by the cold weather which came in at an early stage and could negatively impact on the crop estimate, had come to fruition.

         Ms Scheepers said after SAGIS' data on producer deliveries had been taken into account, it was evident that the Crop Estimates Committee had overestimated the sunflower crop by between 5,0 and 5,3%. She noted that the final crop estimate for sunflower during the 2008-2009 production season was between 801 000 and 803 000 ton.

         The Chairperson said given the circumstances, the Crop Estimates Committee had provided excellent projections. Mr Pretorius said the possibility of sunflower being planted late in the season could never be ruled out, and added that very late plantings never had the same potential as that of the earlier plantings.

         been determined at 452 200 hectares, which was 183 300 hectares less than the previous season, and 12,5% lower than the ten year average.

         The Chairperson thanked Ms Scheepers for the information she had provided.

      2. SAGIS

         Cognisance was taken of the various items of information issued by SAGIS, viz. the Market Information dated 24 November, the Weekly Bulletin dated 10 November, and the Monthly Bulletin, dated 21 October.

         Mr Herbst said the positive cooperation of SAGIS' co-workers was much appreciated. He also expressed SAGIS' gratitude to the oilseeds industry, the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust, the Oilseeds Advisory Committee and the various forums and work groups, for their continuous cooperation and support.

         Mr Herbst reported that the basis for the calculation of SAGIS subscription fees will be adjusted as from March 2010, according to a decision taken by the members of SAGIS at the Annual General Meeting, and that the Oil and Protein Seed Development Trust's contribution will then be 15,4% of the total budget.

         Mr Louw remarked that the producer deliveries of 493 400 tons soybeans as at 30 September, was 20 000 tons less than the crop estimate, and asked whether the difference was a result of on-farm grain retention. Mr Potgieter mentioned that some producers held back on marketing their soybeans until December or January. He said historically not more than approximately 13 000 tons of soybeans were retained for use as seed and other purposes. Ms Scheepers said according to the latest data available, producer deliveries of soybeans as noted by SAGIS currently stood at 500 000 ton. She mentioned that most of the producers they had consulted had indicated that they retained grain for seed rather than for other purposes.

         Mr Potgieter reported that producers had experienced problems in obtaining sufficient soybean seed to plant during the previous production year. He said the same problem was currently being experienced, with seed having been sold out. He remarked that producers who did not retain seed, would not have had enough seed to plant during the current season.

         Mr Pretorius remarked that sunflower oilcake has always been considered to be an excellent source of protein in animal feed. He said if the price of sunflower oilcake was favourable, it would be utilised to a greater extent in animal feed. He asked whether the issue of the possibility of an increased utilisation of sunflower oilcake in animal feed rations could be referred to the OAC for discussion.

         Mr Hawkins reported that SAGIS had at the last meeting of the International Grains Council received recognition both for the scope of the data it provided, and for the timeous delivery of the data.

         The members of the Forum indicated their satisfaction at SAGIS' competency at providing the oilseeds industry with vital marketing information.

         Resolved:

         1. That the issue of the possibility of an increased utilisation of sunflower oil cake in animal feed rations be referred to the OAC for discussion.

            Mr Keun

   2. Soybean rust

      (Resolution 7.2.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 21 April 2009)

      The Chairperson reported that the soybean rust pamphlet had been revised and updated. Mr Keun said copies of the pamphlet was available, and would be sent to all members of the various work groups and forums. He mentioned that the soybean rust pamphlet had also been published on the websites of the Protein Research Foundation and the Oilseeds Industry.

   3. Consumption of edible oil in South Africa

      (Item 7.3 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 21 April 2009)

      was reluctant to provide statistics on the consumption of edible oils in South Africa. He said the initial indications were that total local edible oil consumption was in the region of 1,2 million tons, of which 800 000 tons were imported.

      Mr Keun said the matter regarding the total local consumption of edible oils had been referred to the Research Priority Committee. The Chairperson noted that feedback on the matter would be provided to the members of the Forum at the following meeting.

      Resolved:

      1. That cognisance be taken that feedback will be provided on the total local consumption of edible oils at the next meeting of the Forum.

         Mr Keun

   4. High-oleic sunflower

      (Resolutions 7.6.1 and 7.6.2 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 21 April 2009)

      The Chairperson referred to the press release issued by the Department of Health (DOH), titled "Health Department to regulate transfats in foods", and said the DOH had conducted a workshop on 22 October, to start the process of developing legislation aimed at the reduction of certain transfats present in certain processed and prepared food currently for sale in South Africa.

      Dr van Twisk reported that the workshop had been conducted to discuss proposed legislation for the maximum transfatty acid content allowed. He said invitations went to organisations only, and that he and Dr Lourens du Plessis attended the workshop on behalf of the South African Association of Food Science and Technology (SAFOST). He mentioned that he and Dr du Plessis had had a half day session subsequent to that meeting, in order to draw up a response to the workshop and the documentation presented.

      Dr van Twisk said he and Dr du Plessis had a problem with the methodology applied, and had pointed out certain pitfalls and raised a number of questions about the methodology. He mentioned that the DOH supported the idea of a maximum of 2% transfatty acid per 100 grams oil, which was the international principle, although the Phillipines had set the maximum at 0,5%, which could be a problem if one wished to export to that country. He said it was also decided at the workshop that no one would be allowed to label their products as containing less than the maximum of 2% transfatty acid.

      Dr van Twisk reported that Dr Albrecht gave a presentation on CANSA's concerns on oil. He mentioned that none of the locally available margarines had a transfatty acid content in excess of 2%, according to a survey conducted by CANSA.

      Dr van Twisk said the issue of methodology was still under discussion, and reported that he and Dr du Plessis had provided the DOH with a three page memorandum on the matter. He mentioned that clarity had not been established on the way the legislation would be enforced. He said the DOH would have to follow up on the issue of methodology with the participants at the workshop.

      Dr van der Walt mentioned that the representatives of the consumers had not been invited to the workshop. Mr Hawkins reported that Mr Lemmer had attended the meeting on behalf of GrainSA. He said GrainSA wished to ascertain from the producers' side what the scientists' opinion was on good and bad foodstuffs, and what the producers should produce.

      Dr van Twisk confirmed that the edible oils consumed in South Africa contained only traces of transfatty acids. The Chairperson said none of the oilseeds produced in South Africa contained in excess of 2% transfats, once the seeds had been refined. He mentioned that specialised cultivars could be brought in at a later stage, to meet the further demands of producers of fast foods, such as Kentucky Fried and others.

      Cognisance was taken of the documents appended as Annexure E, viz. the report on a discusion on the nutritional aspects of vegetable oils between Drs van Twisk and Wolmarans, the presentation "Healthy oils in South Africa" by Dr Albrecht, and the article "Suggested adverse effects of high intakes of omega-6 fatty acids".

8. Research

   1. Sclerotinia survey

      (Resolution 8.1.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 21 April 2009)

      Cognisance was taken of the report on the impact of sclerotinia on sunflower seed and soybeans during the 2008-2009 production season. Mr Keun reported that the Crop Estimates Committee had confirmed that they would conduct the survey during the 2009-2010 production season as well. Mr Hawkins confirmed that GrainSA would call on their producer members to take part in the survey.

      Cognisance was also taken that the resolution, passed at a previous meeting, on determining whether the effect of sclerotinia infection on the quality of oil had been researched, would be held in abeyance.

      Resolved:

      1. That 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.

         Mr Keun

   2. Damage caused by pigeons on sunflower

      (Resolution 8.2.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 21April 2009)

      The Chairperson said mention was made of a seed treatment to repel pheasants from consuming the planted sunflower seed, in the October 5 edition of the "Sunflower Week in Review", and asked that more information be sourced on the matter. (*** minuted as resolution 9.7.1)

      Mr Keun reported on the status quo of the matter regarding the problem of damage caused by pigeons on sunflower. He said the matter had been discussed at some length by the OAC and the Research Priority Committee, and that a research project in this regard had been financed by the oilseeds industry a number of years ago.

      Mr Keun mentioned that the Research Priority Committee had met with a representative of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), to discuss the project proposal that TUT had submitted on damage caused by pigeons on sunflower. He said a literature study had been included as part of the project proposal, and that the OAC and the Research Priority Committee had recommended that funding be provided for the literature study only, as a starting point.

      Mr Pretorius said the Research Priority Commitee had decided to also approach the sunflower producers, to determine whether there were any practical solutions that farmers had implemented on their farms. He mentioned that a number of avenues had been explored in an attempt to come up with a solution to the problem. He remarked that the severity of the problem of pigeon damage differed from year to year, in his experience.

      Mr Botha reported that the matter had been reported in one of GrainSA's newsletters, but that no feedback had been received to date.

      Dr Nel mentioned that netting was used to protect the cultivar evaluation trials, but that a new problem had presented itself in that the pigeons had started to cause damage at the seedling stage as well.

      Noted:

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

         Members

9. Additional matters

   1. Information days

      Cognisance was taken of the following forthcoming information days:

      • 23 February 2010 – Soybean Information Day, Hatfield Experimental Farm, University of Pretoria;
      • 18 to 21 May 2010 – NAMPO Harvest Day, Bothaville.

   2. Articles

      The Chairperson thanked all the contributors to, and authors of, the various articles published. Cognisance was taken of the articles "Nuwe woema vir sojabone", "A bright future for South African soybean producers", "Groot VSA oeste druk pryse laer", "Internasionale oliesaadmarkte naby die onderste draaipunt?", and "Oliesaadmarkte – twee helftes van die jaar".

      It was noted that Prof Willemse's articles on oilseeds were published on a monthly basis, and resolved that the oilseed industry's gratitude for informative articles produced will be conveyed to Prof Willemse.

      Resolved:

      1. That the oilseed industry's gratitude for informative articles produced will be conveyed to Prof Willemse.

         Mr Keun

   3. Sunflower grading regulations

      Cognisance was taken of the regulations relating to the grading, packing and marking of sunflower seed intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa, as promulgated in the Government Gazette on 8 May 2009.

   4. Research projects: 2010/2011 financial year

      Cognisance was taken of the list of projects that had been recommended for funding during the 2010/2011 financial year. The Chairperson mentioned that three project proposals were still under consideration, to wit Dr Fourie's nematode project, GrainSA's farmer development project, and the national soybean cultivar trials. He said feedback on those will be provided at a future meeting of the Forum.

      r Louw suggested that a management summary of each project application be included when such lists are presented to the members in future. The Chairperson ruled that the list of research projects for 2010/2011 would be amended as per Mr Louw's suggestion, and will be presented to the members of the Forum at the following meeting.

      Resolved:

      1. That cognisance be taken that feedback will be provided at a future meeting on those project proposals that were still under consideration, to wit Dr Fourie's nematode project, GrainSA's farmer development project, and the national soybean cultivar trials.

         Mr Keun

      2. That a management summary of each project application be included in the list of research projects for 2010/2011, and will be presented at the following meeting of the Forum.

         Mr Keun

   5. Fumigants: GSI

      Cognisance was taken of the Grain Silo Industry's letter dated 27 October on the analysis of fumigants.

   6. Sunflower cultivar recommendations

      The Chairperson tabled the sunflower cultivar recommendations for 2009/2010, and invited Dr Nel to comment on the matter.

      Dr Nel referred the members to Table one on page two of the document. He said the average yield of the two high oleic acid cultivars that had been included in the trials since 2007/2008 indicated a yield lag of 17% compared to the non-high oleic acid cultivars. He said producers should note that a premium would have to be obtained for producing high oleic acid cultivars.

      Mr Keun reported that Senwes had applied for funding for strip demonstration trials using high oleic acid cultivars, which application had been approved. Mr Botha conveyed GrainSA's gratitude to the ARC-GCI for conducting the cultivar evaluation trials.

   7. Sunflower Week In Review

      Cognisance was taken of the various issues of the Sunflower Week in Review, included as Annexure L.

      The Chairperson said he had earlier referred to the seed treatment that was used to repel pheasants from consuming the planted sunflower seed, as mentioned in the October 5 edition of the Sunflower Week in Review, and had asked that more information be sourced on the matter. He also requested that more information be sourced on the research priorities set by the NSA Research Committee, at their meeting on 22 October.

      The Chairperson mentioned that the so called "National Sclerotinia Initiative" was approaching its ninth year of existence. He requested that more information be sourced on the initiative.

      Resolved:

      1. That cognisance be taken that more information will be sourced on the seed treatment that was used to repel pheasants from consuming the planted sunflower seed, as mentioned in the October 5 edition of the Sunflower Week in Review.

         Mr Keun

      2. That cognisance be taken that more information will be sourced on the research priorities set by the NSA Research Committee at their meeting on 22 October, as referred to in the October 13 issue of the Sunflower Week in Review.

         Mr Keun

      3. That cognisance be taken that more information will be sourced on the National Sclerotinia Initiative, as referred to in the November 2 issue of the Sunflower Week in Review.

         Mr Keun

   8. Website

      Mr Keun reported that the website of the oilseeds industry had been activated in January 2009. He said a staff member had been dedicated to upload relevant information on the website, and that it was hoped that the backlog would be cleared within six months' time. He invited members to check out the website at www.opot.co.za, and added that any contributions, especially photographs with descriptions, would be welcomed.

   9. GSI – Sponsorship for speaker

      The Chairperson said due to the increase in local soybean production, the oilseeds industry had thought it would be appropriate to invite a Brazilian specialist to address the delegates to the GSI Congress on the bulk storage of soybeans. Mr Louw remarked that problems were not currently experienced with the bulk storage of soybeans locally, and that the offer had been placed on hold until such time problems did arise.

   10. SAGL: Extension of laboratory capacity

       The Chairperson called on Ms Louw to report on the extension of capacity at the South African Grain Laboratory (SAGL).

       Ms Louw said it was a well-known fact that mycotoxins were experienced as a huge problem world-wide. She mentioned that it was difficult to measure mycotoxins in South Africa, mainly due to the fact that the DOH neither had data to do risk assessments, nor did it have the necessary legislation in place to comply with international legislation. She said a need had been identified for a laboratory to apply mass spectrometry to quantify residue levels of mycotoxins in food and feed products in general, and announced that the SAGL Board of Directors had approved the purchase of a Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry system (LCMSMS). She considered this to be a huge step forward for SAGL, as it would serve as a national reference laboratory for the analysis of mycotoxins in South Africa. She said the idea was also to use advanced technology to look at chemical residues in grain and food products in general, and that it was hoped that SAGL would also be established as the national reference laboratory in this regard.

       The Chairperson wished Ms Louw and SAGL the best in their endeavours.

   11. Good Agricultural Practices – Mycotoxins

       Dr van der Walt said he had obtained extra copies of the booklet on good agricultural practices on mycotoxins, that had been compiled by DOH and DAFF. He added that he would make these available to those members of the Forum who wished to have access to the information.

10. Election of office bearers

    1. Election of Vice Chairperson

       The Chairperson said the Forum had resolved that office bearers would be elected for a period of two years, in order to ensure continuity and to be in line with the Constitution of the Oilseeds Advisory Committee. He mentioned that he had been re-elected as Chairperson the previous year, and that a Vice Chairperson had to be elected in the current year. He said Mr Pretorius had made himself available for re-election to the position of Vice Chairperson, and called for nominations for the position of Vice Chairperson for the next two years.

       Mr Pretorius was elected unopposed to the position of Vice Chairperson of the Forum for a period of two years, and will also serve as representative of the Sunflower Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee.

       Resolved:

       1. That Mr GJ Pretorius be elected as Vice Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum for the period 2010 to 2012 and will also serve as representative of the Sunflower Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee.

          Mr Keun

11. Dates of meetings

    The dates of meetings of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum for 2010 were confirmed as:

    • 16 February 2010,
    • 20 April 2010,
    • 5 August 2010, and
    • 22 November 2010.

12. Adjournment

    The Chairperson thanked the members of the Forum for their attendance at, and contributions to the meeting. Mr Louw was thanked for his significant contribution to the grain industry over many years, and was wished an enjoyable retirement and a blessed future. The Chairperson wished all well over the festive period, and wished them a prosperous new year. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 13:00.