The Agronomy Producers’ Association (APA) has negotiated with the Namibian Grain Processors Association (NGPA) to include a 3,6% levy in the wheat price formula for the 2022/23 marketing season.
According to a statement from the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), this includes a payout to producers of N$292/tonne or N$7,1 million in total.
This was confirmed by APA vice chairperson Dawie de Klerk, who said the payment of the levy was withheld while negotiations between the APA and the NGPA took place in the presence of the Namibian Agronomic Board.
“This levy will from now on be permanently part of the wheat price formula,” he said.
According to the APA, which is an affiliate of the NAU, in September 2023, producers received a back payment from Namib Mills on transport to the value of N$856 000 for the 2022 maize marketing season.
“This was due to a reduction in the transport tariff from Otavi to Windhoek and some producers delivering directly to Windhoek,” noted the latest issue of the NAU newsletter.
The APA said after negotiations with Namib Mills, the grain processing company agreed not to bill producers for the extra silo bags used during the 2022 marketing season at Otavi, to the value of N$807 000.
The producers added that during the 2023 maize marketing season, management negotiated for no deductions on silos and transport for deliveries at Otavi.
“Producers were able to deliver maize when and where needed,” said De Klerk.
He said the APA is in the process of standardising the grading of maize and wheat accepted by millers. This will limit grains being downgraded and rejected at the mill door.
New grading principles for wheat were accepted for the 2023/24 marketing season.
This benefits producers and millers alike by lowering protein levels for selected grades and including a super grade for the first time.
The APA is constantly trying to optimise the production of grain crops in Namibia.
To assist in reaching these goals, the APA is expanding its trials in different production zones and inviting specialists from South Africa on a yearly basis to advise farmers on production.
“We are in the process of appointing an agricultural specialist to further assist with trials and provide advice to farmers,” he said.
The production, processing and marketing of alternative crops like sunflower, sorghum and cotton is a developing activity under the APA. The aim is to give producers more production options, especially during drier seasons.
“None of these achievements would have been possible without a strong management team.
We, therefore, urge farmers to support their local APA representative by actively engaging with management on future plans in support of the members.
“This will ensure that the APA stays relevant and an effective organisation looking after the interests of all its members,” – email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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