Harry Prinsloo: Chairman National Wool Growers’ Association of SA Wool Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
Background: NWGA voluntary members 846 communal shearing communities > communal wool producers mainly in Eastern Cape SA clip > 44 million kg Value 2011/12: R2.27 billion Main export destinations: China (48%), Czech Republic, India, Italy.
Infrastructure development Before After
Training and Mentorship Veterinary Health programs in communal areas Hands-on Training 13 training areas identified
Marketing Support Broker field services involved
Shearer Training Silver ware again for SA in NZ 2012!! SA Shearers: National colours
Genetic Improvement rams rams in 2012 Progeny testing: Clean fleece weight 30.5% Clean wool price 18.7% Clean wool income 32.6%
Impact: Long term SeasonKilogramValue (R)Nat. Price (c/kg) Comm. Price (c/kg) 97/ / / / / / / / / /
Social Impacts Income from sales of wool and mutton: 47 % internal income in 2004 Increased to 59% (2006) and 65% (2009) Social indicators (2004 to 2009): Children going to bed hungry (43,1% to 27,3%) Households savings accounts (56,9% to 77,3%) Borrow money school fees: (78,4% to 52,3%)
Wool Production
Wool Production: Communal
Challenges Govt Personnel turnover: Senior Management No continuity of agreements and initiatives Time consuming and costly- start negotiations all over MOA: DAFF Signed March 2011 Formalises partnership with NWGA Established Joint Implementation Committee. Very little progress Leverage funding on Industry contribution Industry contributes at least R8 million/annum towards development Needs govt support Long term agreements needed (at least 5 years)
Challenges Predation DAFF and DEA to share responsibility Support producer initiatives Sheep shearers Lesotho shearers 5 year commitment from industry to address problem Mining Mpumalanga (coal mining vs high potential agric land) Karroo (fracking)
Challenges Bio-security FMD: Threatening exports of wool (i.e. Egypt) OIE visit to SA to assess situation Role and capacity of Public Veterinary Services Other diseases (Johne’s; RVF)
Opportunities LRAD Identification of successful communal producers Commodity training and mentorship Training of Extension Officers Involvement of commodity organisations CASP: Infrastructure development Fencing, shearing, dipping, etc Long term agreements/partnership with govt. Portfolio committee support
Thank you!! NWGA contact details: Tel Fax P.O. Box a Pickering Street Newton Park Port Elizabeth