Wine Industry PAGE 1-2 SA Young Wine Show Veritas Wine Harvest Commemorative Event Dairy Industry PAGE 3-5 South African Dairy Championships Agri-Expo Qualité Awards Dinner South African Cheese Festival Livestock PAGE 6 Agri-Expo Livestock Equestrian Industry PAGE 7-8 Sales 2 Year Old Sale Lanzerac Ready to Run Sale Emperors Palace Ready to Run Sale Cape Premier Yearling Sale Emperors Palace Select Yearling Sale March Yearling Sale Mare and Fillies For Stud Select Sale Member Shows Member Shows Meeting Western Cape Poultry Club Youth Shows Agricultural Schools Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Conference US Woordfees Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards Agricultural Writers Association Shows PAGE 9 Youth PAGE 10 General PAGE 11 Personnel PAGE 13 Finance PAGE 13 Conclusion PAGE 13
W I N E I N D U S T R Y S A YOUNG WINE SHOW THE SOUTH AFRICAN YOUNG WINE SHOW GIVES WINEMAKERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THEIR BEST WINES OF THE CURRENT VINTAGE The show dates back to 1833 when the Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society presented the first wine show in South Africa. This makes the SA Young Wine Show the oldest wine competition in South Africa. The mission of the South African Young Wine Show is to judge the quality of wines that are still in their infancy, i.e. within the year of production before they are finally blended and bottled. In this way, the industry can give recognition to the production capabilities of a wine cellar. Very few of these wines are for sale or in their final form at the time of being judged. Badsberg Wine Cellar stole the show at the 2016 SA Young Wine Awards. Cellar master Willie Burger and his formidable winemaking team walked off with the competition s two top trophies. Their wooded Pinotage was awarded the coveted General Smuts Trophy for overall SA Champion young wine for 2016. Badsberg also clinched the Pietman Hugo Trophy for the highest score with five best entries for an impressive fifth time. Their winning streak continued with a trio of SA Champion trophies. Of the 1 868 wines entered, 17 won SA Champion trophies, 51 achieved class winner status and 64 were awarded gold medals. Entries are adjudicated by specialist panels of seven judges drawn from winemakers or wine experts with a formal qualification and specialist knowledge of specific wine styles. An eighth junior judge per panel has been introduced to train future judges. The eight participating wine regions are Robertson, Worcester/Breedekloof, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Oranje- Vaal, Olifantsrivier, Swartland and Klein Karoo. Champions are crowned in the following categories: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Other White Cultivar, Dry White Blend, Sweetish Wine, Nobel Late Harvest, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Other Red Cultivar, Dry Red Blend, Port, Dessert Wine en Muscadel. In addition to the 17 SA championship trophies, the impressive General Smuts Trophy introduced in 1952 for the overall SA Champion Young Wine, is also at stake. Charles Hopkins (Chairperson: SANWV), Duimpie Baily (Past President: Agri-Expo) and the winners of the General Smuts Trophy, Badsberg Wine Cellar The stars of the 2016 vintage were announced during a glittering gala evening, hosted by Agri-Expo with the support of Sanlam and Santam, at the CTICC. WINE INDUSTRY I 2017 1
W I N E I N D U S T R Y V E R I T A S THE VERITAS AWARDS IS THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS WINE COMPETITION IN SOUTH AFRICA AND IS SYNONYMOUS WITH EXCELLENCE IN WINE The organisers, the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA), represents the full spectrum of the industry. Agri-Expo, as a partner of SANWSA, is represented on the Board and is a co-sponsor of the awards ceremony. After 26 years the Veritas Awards has earned its reputation as South Africa s most authoritative and credible competition for market ready wines. The awards with its coveted Veritas emblem, has become synonymous with top quality wines. The first National Bottled Wine Show in South Africa was introduced by the SANWSA in 1990 and renamed the Veritas Awards from 1991. The Veritas Awards attracted 1 760 medal contenders this year. The five most fiercelycontested categories in terms of entries received, were: Red Blends (227), Sauvignon Blanc (182), Shiraz (167), Cabernet Sauvignon (142) and Chenin Blanc (131). A total of 39 brandies were entered in three categories: Standard, Potstill and Vintage. In total, 1 317 medals were awarded 38 double gold, 167 gold, 484 silver and 628 bronze. VERITAS / QUALITÉ CHEESE TASTINGS To further extend the partnership between Agri-Expo and the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA), Qualité cheeses are tasted with the double gold and gold Veritas wines during three exclusive public tastings, introducing this combination to approximately 1200 members of the public. The tastings were held in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban and the events serve as the ideal platform to promote the Qualité mark as a trustworthy indicator of dairy quality in South Africa. WINE HARVEST COMMEMORATIVE EVENT The South African wine industry celebrates a special occasion in February each year when it commemorates the industry s first vintage on South African soil on 2 February 1659, as recorded by Jan van Riebeeck. This event takes place at South Africa s oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia Estate, which was established in 1685 by the then Governor, Simon van der Stel. During this event the harvest is blessed and a special 1659 medal of honour is awarded to a South African wine icon. Charles Back of Fairview was this year s recipient. Agri-Expo presented this event for the second time this year. Distell won a pair of Double Gold medals and 12 Golds. Sauvignon Blanc was the top scorer in the Double Gold medal stakes with 7 awards. In the Gold medal stakes, Potstill Brandy and Shiraz won 13 medals each. Five renowned judges from around the globe joined the Veritas jury this year. WINE INDUSTRY I 2017 2
D A I R Y I N D U S T R Y S O U T H A F R I C A N D A I R Y C H A M P I O N S H I P S The South African Dairy Championships took place on 23 February 2017 at Grand West and was adjudicated by 74 judges. It is the oldest dairy competition in South Africa and Du Pont was, once again, involved as Platinum Partner. This year, 854 products from 83 manufacturers were entered in 102 classes. Judging during the championships The SA Dairy Champions are the winners in each of the 102 classes in the nine categories, namely cheese, butter, yogurt, dairy desserts, cottage cheese, ice cream, flavored and cultured milk, dairy dips and milk. The Qualité mark is awarded to products of outstanding quality and a panel of five highly knowledgeable judges selects the Dairy Product of the Year. Judges Charl du Plessis and Allan Fourie with chief judge Kobus Mulder The purpose of the championship is to continually improve the quality of dairy products, measuring them against each other and using the awards in marketing campaigns. The high number of entries is a definite indication of the dairy industry s commitment to improve the quality and marketability of their products on a constant basis. It also shows the confidence and high esteem manufacturers still have in a championship that dates back to a humble start in 1834. Agri-Expo regularly consults with the dairy industry and this year made two new additions to the championships for fresh milk and UHT milk. Judge Fiona Nuttal-Smith DAIRY INDUSTRY I 2017 3
Parmalat s 10 months matured Gouda, produced exclusively for Woolworths, was crowned the 2017 South African Dairy Product of the Year at the Agri-Expo Qualité Awards Dinner at Grand West on 17 March 2017. This cheese follows in the footsteps of their six months matured Gouda that won the much sought after title in 2016. D A I R Y I N D U S T R Y A G R I - E X P O Q U A L I T É A W A R D S D I N N E R Johan Ehlers (CEO of Agri-Expo), Marlize Boshoff (Parmalat Group Manager: N&O), Sandra Zuvela (Du Pont Group Manager of Sales Southern Africa) and Arnold Nieuwoudt (Parmalat Group Manager) 2017 SA Dairy Product of the Year Qualité is the only mark of excellence for dairy products in South Africa. This year Parmalat SA (Pty) Ltd took the lead with four Qualité awards, followed by Lancewood with three awards. Clover SA, Fair Cape Dairies (Pty) Ltd, Foxenburg Estate, Fairview Cheese Company, De Pekelaar, Delitaly, Kleinrivier Kaas and Belnori Boutique Cheesery each received one Qualité award. Seventy four judges, consisting of sensory evaluators, manufacturers, chefs and food writers had a challenging task to adjudicate the 854 products on 17 February 2017 at Grand West. This year, a new procedure was introduced according to which the Qualité winners were adjudicated by a panel of five highly skilled judges in order to award the overall Dairy Product of the Year. The 2017 Qualité winners DAIRY INDUSTRY I 2017 4
D A I R Y I N D U S T R Y S A C H E E S E F E S T I V A L THE FESTIVAL IS KNOWN AS THE BIGGEST CULINARY EVENT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AND ON 26 JANUARY 2017 WAS AWARDED THE JOINT BEST CONSUMER EXHIBITION AT THE FIRST AAXO AWARDS EVENT. With CHEESE as the centre point of the popular festival, cheese lovers from 28 tot 30 April enjoyed a collection of more than thirty tons of cheese, new offers, exceptional entertainment, good food, wine, music and a social atmosphere only to be experienced at the SA Cheese Festival. A new addition to the festival was the Agri-Expo Cheesery. Here visitors could meet some of the country s best cheese makers in order to learn more about their favourite products. Kleinrivier Kaas, La Montanara, Fairview, Udderley Delicious and Taaibos Kaas participated in this unique offering. SA Cheese Festival visitors enjoyed the social media photo opportunities Media partnerships certainly boosted the marketing and advertising budget and media coverage of more than 40 million rand, the most ever, was generated for the festival. Social media sharply increased, with Facebook fans increasing from 9 506 to 10 953, followers on Twitter increasing from 2 515 to 2 806, and on Instagram to 290. In addition to a variety of cheese, visitors could also enjoy top-class wine, beer, freshly baked bread, delicious meat, sweet temptations and handy recipe ideas. Glamour chefs including Nataniël, Errieda du Toit, Haidee Muller and Amore Bekker entertained visitors with their culinary skills. The Private Hotel School launched a range of specially developed recipes in the Cape Made Kitchen. The South African Cheese Festival remains the largest platform for cheese makers to introduce their products to a targeted audience and to stimulate market growth. It also serves as an opportunity, especially for new entrepreneurs, to market and promote other agricultural products. DAIRY INDUSTRY I 2017 5
L I V E S T O C K I N D U S T R Y A G R I - E X P O L I V E S T O C K Agri-Expo Livestock, the most prestigious livestock expo in South Africa, was presented from 13 to 15 October 2016 at Sandringham. The superior quality and participation of different breeds impressed the national and international judges of the dairy and beef cattle championships. Puttergill Goldwyn Sweetie of Puttergill Holsteins in the Eastern Cape, that was crowned the FNB Dairy Queen, set a new record by successfully defending her title for the second time. Puttergill Goldwyn Sweetie was crowned as FNB Dairy Queen for the third consecutive year Black Mamba Nelene of Black Mamba Stud in Moorreesburg also defended her title successfully and was crowned BKB Supreme Beef Queen. This is a significant achievement because she had to compete against 13 beef cattle breeds to win this title. Black Mamba Nelene succesfully defended her title as BKB Beef Queen Well-known breeder Brett Puttergill, owner of the defending champion Puttergill Goldwyn Sweetie, considers Agri-Expo Livestock as the benchmark for livestock shows in the country. Jaco Smit, one of the youngest and smallest Angus breeders, describes Agri- Expo Livestock as the best show in South Africa. His Black Mamba Nelene was not only named the BKB Supreme Beef Champion, but also won several other categories at the show. Over and above the championships, which is the highlight of Agri-Expo Livestock, the program activities increased sharply to address the different needs of the livestock industry. Programmes like dairy goat and beef information days, made possible by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the Landbouweekblad Talk: Solutions for Agriculture, the Mutual & Federal Agri Regional Youth Show and the Toyota Young Auctioneers Competition in collaboration with Veeplaas and Stockfarm, added significant value to the event. The school s training program was financially supported by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and was attended by more than 2000 learners. They were informed about the importance and value of the livestock industry in a practical way and also about the different career choices available in the agricultural sector. The Western Cape Elite Dairy Farmer of the Year, which was presented by SA Studbook, and the Agricultural Research Council s (ARC) National Dairy Achievers Awards were presented at Agri-Expo Livestock. The extraordinary enthusiasm and high attendance rate of the many programs that were offered, was proof that commercial farmers, breeders, small farmers and also the consumer considered Agri-Expo Livestock as one of the important platforms for the dairy and meat industries. Agri-Expo appreciates the support and partnerships of agri-businesses, industry associations and breed societies which greatly contributes to the success of this event. LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY I 2017 6
E Q U E S T R I A N SALES Cape Thoroughbred Sales (CTS) contracted Agri-Expo to run the logistics and stable care for seven sales for the last financial year. These sales take place in the Western Cape and Gauteng. There is great variation in the type of sales and their setup, as can be seen from the photo s below. 2 YEAR OLD SALE DURBANVILLE RACECOURSE: AUGUST A sale of 90 horses that are ready to be backed and have started training. This sale was held at Durbanville Race Course. LANZERAC READY TO RUN SALE DURBANVILLE RACECOURSE: OCTOBER This sale was held in October instead of the traditional November as major work on the track was scheduled for November. 159 horses were catalogued and 146 sold at an average price of R198 767. Gallops were held on the Friday morning and the sale took place on Saturday evening. Lanzerac Race Day took place at Kenilworth a month later. EMPERORS PALACE READY TO RUN SALE RANDJESFONTEIN TRAINING CENTRE: NOVEMBER A sale of 235 horses that are just backed, and have been in training for about a month. Gallops were held on the Training track at Randjesfontein on Monday 21st with the sale split over two days (Thursday and Friday). 187 horses were sold at an average price of R186 417. CAPE PREMIER YEARLING SALE CTICC CAPE TOWN: JANUARY The Premier Yearling Sale at CTICC remains the flagship of the year. 237 young yearlings were selected for the 2017 sale. The South African record was once again broken when a Trippi colt was bought for R6 million by MV Magnier. The average price was R699 211 with 222 horses sold. Durbanville Racecourse CTICC stables EQUESTRIAN I 2017 7
E Q U E S T R I A N EMPERORS PALACE SELECT YEARLING SALE EMPERORS PALACE GAUTENG: APRIL This sale is held on the grounds of the 5 star D oreal Grande Hotel at the Emperors Palace complex. 159 top yearlings that were too young or immature for the January sale were accepted for this sale. It was an extremely difficult build as the stables were situated in two different car parks and the actual sale marquee was built over the hotel s swimming pool. The average price was R318 129 with 131 yearlings sold. MARCH YEARLING SALE DURBANVILLE RACE COURSE: MARCH This sale is the biggest sale, with 257 yearlings catalogued. The average price achieved was R78 955 with 201 yearlings sold. A yearling at the March sale MARE & FILLIES FOR STUD SELECT SALE ROBERTSON: JUNE This sale was held at Highlands Stud Farm in the Robertson district for the second time. There were a total of 115 mares catalogued with an average price of R166 341 and a top price of R2,4 million for a mare bought by Rathmor Stud. Etienne Buchner, bidspotter at the March sale For this sale, being on a farm, equipment had to be transported from Cape Town. Extra stabling were built and the sales marquee and all catering amenities were supplied by Agri-Expo. EQUESTRIAN I 2017 8
S H O W S MEMBER SHOWS Agri-Expo once again acted as a sponsor to 14 sustainable agricultural shows this year, who are members of the Society. These shows promote the image of agriculture in their environment and display agricultural products of high quality. Several National, Provincial and Regional Championships are held annually under the Agri-Expo banner at these shows. Agricultural shows in the Western Cape are an integral part of the rural community and fulfil a huge role in measuring agricultural products against each other and to improve the quality. Animals and other agricultural products are improving every year at these shows and championships and attract considerable interest from across South Africa. In addition to these offerings, there are also youth shows, shows for emerging farmers and poultry shows. MEMBER SHOWS MEETING The meeting of member shows took place on 9 June 2017 at Lemoenkloof Guesthouse in Paarl. This meeting is an annual event where all the members get together to discuss challenges, to determine show dates and to learn from each other. The meeting also creates an opportunity to bring positive ideas to the table and thus tackle the next show with a new approach. This year we were fortunate to welcome representatives from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, as well as emerging farmers that participate in shows. Dr. Dirk Troskie, Director: Business Planning and Strategy at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, discussed the department s goals to build out their Connect Agri programme, and accordingly explained their involvement with agricultural shows. Emerging farmers shared their unique stories as well as how they are motivated by shows to farm with better quality animals. Stewart van Rooy, Joubert van der Merwe, Breyton Milford (Operational Manager: Agri-Expo) and Johannes Jacobs WESTERN CAPE POULTRY CLUB SHOW The annual Western Cape Poultry Show took place from 8 to 10 June 2017 at Kleinplasie, Worcester. A total of 35 breeders braved the bad weather and 1 321 chickens from 102 different breeds were shown. The judges were very impressed with the quality, appearance and preparation of the poultry of excellent quality. Members of the youth also participated and five of them did very well. The show attracted a large number of visitors and received many compliments. Various schools were invited to attend the show and the learners enjoyed it very much. Agri-Expo is proud of the manner in which the Western Cape Poultry Show promotes the poultry as well the breed purity of poultry in the Western Cape. SHOWS I 2017 9
Y O U T H YOUTH SHOWS Agri-Expo's commitment to youth shows dates back to 1999 when Agri-Expo took the initiative to establish the Western Cape Agricultural Youth Society and the National Agricultural Youth Society. Today Agri-Expo acts as a sponsor of the Western Cape Agricultural Youth Society. This is an independent organization that strives for the promotion of agriculture among the youth in the Western Cape through youth shows. Nine regional shows were presented, with more than 900 learners that took part, the most in the history of youth shows in the Western Cape. These regional shows were presented at: Swellendam (157), George (111), Clanwilliam (135), Agri Megaweek (65), Swartland (82), Riversdal (110), Malmesbury (77), Heidelberg (88), and at Agri-Expo Livestock (130) learners. Participants at these regional shows must qualify to be invited to the Agri-Expo Western Cape Championships. During these regional shows students participate in the following categories: Horses, Dairy Cattle, Beef Cattle, Chickens, Mutton Goats, Angora Goats, Milk Goats, Wool Sheep, Mutton Sheep, Dairy Preparation, Pigeons and Culinary Arts. Training and development took place with learners from Lambertsbaai Primary and Olympia School of Skills in George this year. The Agri-Expo Western Cape Youth Show Championship was hosted in George for the first time, from 19 to 21 March. The standard of participants from across the Western Cape was of high quality. A total of 174 learners took part in the championships, the most ever. The National Youth Show Championship was hosted at Morgenson Agricultural Academy in Mpumalanga in October this year. The Western Cape team once again prevailed this year and was crowned as the champions of this competition for the eleventh consecutive time. Jaco van Deventer at the Agri-Expo Western Cape Championships with Breyton Milford AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS Agri-Expo has a long association with the three agricultural schools in the Western Cape, namely Augsburg Agricultural Gymnasium in Clanwilliam, Boland Agricultural High School in Paarl and Oakdale Agricultural High School in Riversdale. Bursaries are made available annually to these three agricultural schools to use at their prize-giving functions for students who excel in academic and agricultural areas throughout the year. Agri-Expo is proud of the quality agricultural education offered by these three agricultural schools in the Western Cape. Ruben Malherbe at the Championships Agri-Expo Western Cape YOUTH I 2017 10
G E N E R A L ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH (RASC) The RASC is the official voice of Agriculture in the Commonwealth. Agri-Expo is a member of the RASC and this year was once again invited to attend the 26th RASC Conference in Singapore from 31 October to 4 November 2016. The conference theme Bridging the Rural Urban divide was well received, as it is realised internationally that the connection between Agriculture and the general public is not as close as in the past. The message of Agriculture thus has to be told more efficiently to effectively reach urban communities and the general public. The conference was opened by the President of the RASC, HRH the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, and the keynote speaker was the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia J Scotland van Asthal. The RASC s Honorary Secretary, Michael Lambert, visited the Society (Agri-Expo) in March and met with management. He also attended the Agri-Expo Qualité Awards Dinner and complimented Agri-Expo on its work in the dairy industry and the presentation of the dinner. The hosting of the 2017 RASC Next Generation Assistance and Understanding Mission was also awarded to Agri-Expo and we look forward to hosting this group of young people. It will be the first such mission to South Africa. The next RASC Conference will be held in Canada in November 2018. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISTS (IFAJ) CONFERENCE This year, for the first time since 2004, the IFAJ Conference was held in South Africa for members from across the world. A conference was held in Gauteng, whereafter the group of 135 members from 25 countries visited the Western Cape for a programme hosted by the Agricultural Writers Association (Western Cape), with Agri-Expo involved as organiser and partner. Delegates at the RASC Congress in Singapore Agri-Expo s CEO, Johan Ehlers, and Operations Manager, Breyton Milford, attended the conference on behalf of Agri-Expo and participated as speakers. Ehlers shared the Agri-Expo Story of an agricultural society which today, without showgrounds, does much more for agriculture, whereas Milford spoke about the responsibility of agricultural businesses to market agriculture, as well as the important role of the youth. The writers enjoyed exposure to the diverse agricultural industries in the Western Cape. The programme included visits to various fruit and vegetable farms, wine farms, a Fairtrade project, the dairy industry and Fairview with its excellent agritourism activities, as well as a talk at the AgriSciences Faculty at the University of Stellenbosch, led by the Dean, Prof. Danie Brink. The conference concluded with a glamorous gala dinner in the Cape Sun with the Gugulethu Tenors as guest artists. GENERAL I 2017 11
G E N E R A L US WOORDFEES Agri-Expo this year again hosted two programmes at the US Woordfees, namely Merino leg of lamb tastings with Veritas award winning red wines and a cheese tasting with alternative products and Veritas award-winning white wines. These tastings were presented by famous celebrity chef Bertus Basson (from Overture and Bertus Basson at Spice Route restaurants), as well as Bennie Howard, Vice President of Veritas and Cape Winemaster. This year, Merino's entire value chain was included by offering a Merino day - Merino rams were exhibited, as well as fleece wool with various wool products and woolen clothes like jackets. Chef Bertus Basson also made Merino mutton potjie which was offered for sale to the public. The tastings were sold out, affirming interest in unusual but interesting tasting experiences. It also provoked good commentary and interesting response in the media. The different cheeses for the cheese tasting was sponsored by Fairview. Alternative products such as pickled cucumber, a coriander/chilli sauce, citrus jam and moskonfyt were combined with the cheeses. WESTERN CAPE PRESTIGE AGRI AWARDS Merino leg of lamb tastings with Veritas wines This year four tastings of Merino leg of lamb were presented in collaboration with Merino SA and Lamb and Mutton SA. The leg of lamb was identified from different regions such as the Hantam, the Kamdeboo, Swartland, the Overberg as well as from the Riemland and the Sandveld. This was done with the help of Hein Vollgraaff of BKB and their staff in the various regions. The leg of lamb was of Merino lamb of the same age, aged equally and cooked in a vacuum pack for 60 minutes at the same temperature. No seasoning, herbs or spices were added. Guests had the opportunity to taste the meat, to see the color of the meat, to experience the different flavours of the terroir and to learn about the diverse vegetation that influences the taste. Agri-Expo is involved annually in the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards, which is hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. The competition gives recognition to the important contribution of agricultural workers to the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector in South Africa. The 2016 awards function was held at Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl on 5 November. The prestigous Agri- Expo floating trophy for Agri Worker with the Best Potential was awarded to Thandisizwe Eric Mnyango of Riebeek Kelder in the Swartland. AGRICULTURAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION Agri-Expo once again, in collaboration with the Western Cape branch of the Agricultural Writers Association, hosted the 36th annual Agricultural Writers SA s National BKB Photo Competition for agricultural media. All the logistical arrangements and entries for the competition is handled by the Agri-Expo staff. GENERAL I 2017 12
P E R S O N N E L Agri-Expo is privileged to function with a dynamic staff corps. Each individual contributes to the professionalism with which each project is conducted and is definitely the core of the Society's successes. This year, this dynamic was further expanded through the appointment of Isabeau Botha as Corporate Communication Manager. Her longstanding experience as a specialist in communication, journalism and marketing adds exceptional value. We have already achieved new successes in several areas because of her contribution. The changed structure approved by the Council in the previous financial year clearly works and was definitely timely, taking into account the expansion of existing projects and an increased workload, including the addition of congresses to the Society's project portfolio. The Society also gained strong representation in the Commonwealth this year with the election of the CEO, Johan Ehlers, as Trustee on the Council of the RASC, that acts as the official voice for Agriculture in the Commonwealth. Major challenges are faced by staff members during the presentation of projects, sometimes up to three weeks from home during projects in the North, 13 to 18 hours working days before and during projects, and absenteeism from households on weekends. Agri-Expo is grateful for this incredible commitment and has sincere appreciation for every staff member and temporary worker who contributes unselfishly in this way to providing a service to Agriculture. F I N A N C E S A political turning point was reached during 2016. During a short period of time the political picture moved closer to nationalism, with the policy framework changing from monetary to fiscal. Despite the mediocre growth situation, the world economy still stands strong amid tremendous uncertainties and challenges (Brexit, Trump), struggling commodity prices (oil and basic metals), growth uncertainties (US, China, BRICs) and world valuta devaluation during the last two quarters of 2016. The political shocks of 2016 are still taking the wind out of our sails. The new American president continues to upset world politics, while England is a step closer to leaving the EU formally. Locally there was a midnight cabinet reshuffling that caused a downgrading by rating agencies. The downgrade impaired investor confidence, with side effects that we will still feel in the years to come. During the first quarter of 2017, South Africa's foreign debt rating was cut to sub-investment grade (junk). In the first quarter of 2017, South Africa experienced a technical recession. Against this negative background, it is a relief to report that the Agri-Expo investment portfolio achieved a positive return. Data show that the world economy has turned around and is on course for a period of reactivation. Markets remain optimistic about global growth, but take into account the risks. Inflation is systematically decreasing and should be comfortably under 5% at year-end. CONCLUSION The 2016/2017 financial year had many challenges, but also produced wonderful highlights and successes, despite difficult economic conditions. Each staff member tackled the existing and new projects with vigor and enthusiasm and elevated the profile of Agri-Expo events to a higher level with their creative thinking and teamwork. We are looking forward to the planned initiatives and actions for 2017/2018 that will place the Society's role and function in the public eye, in a striking and sustainable manner. PERSONNEL I CONCLUSION I 2017 13