The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is making the management and processing of organic waste much easier by removing the requirements for expensive and drawn-out waste management permits. New norms and standards for composting and the treatment of organic waste, signed into law in 2022, will make establishing processing facilities much cheaper and the … [Read more...]
Young people start food gardens in the Cape Flats
Perhaps the greatest problem and fear we face in SA today is the millions of unemployed youth walking the streets; many of them with degrees and most with only basic education. This is a recipe for revolution and crime. Young men are often seen as a problem and are more easily caught up in “get rich quick” activities. But there is truly serious and … [Read more...]
Home biogas systems offer solution for waste management
HomeBiogas develops biogas systems enabling people and businesses to turn their organic waste into clean energy for cooking or heating, on-site. HomeBiogas is a publicly traded Israeli company engaged in developing, manufacturing, distributing, and selling domestic and industrial-scale biogas systems that offer a comprehensive solution for waste management, renewable energy … [Read more...]
SANDF takes a green leap forward with biogas
On Friday 18 March the world will mark Global Recycling Day to bring to light the benefits of recycling waste for the environment, businesses and people. The day was first recognised by the United Nations in 2018 and has since birthed countless initiatives by governments, civil society groups and the private sector that have impacted environmental action and awareness in … [Read more...]
SA’s antique farming laws in dire need of updating
The SA law that's supposed to protect us and the environment from agricultural chemicals was written in 1947! Act 36 is unconstitutional, as it does not protect our constitutional rights. A growing body of evidence internationally is suggesting that glyphosate, the active ingredient in some weedkillers, may be responsible for certain cancers. It’s banned in several … [Read more...]
Working together to solve complex food waste challenges
Three industry leaders in organics waste organisations will participate in the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship South Africa Food Waste Innovation Challenge 2021 Ignite Programme. BiobiN South Africa, Nambu Group and Organic Waste to Energy along with 7 others will work with the Centre to solve many of the complex challenges faced by the food waste sector in South Africa, … [Read more...]
Time to do waste in a whole different way
South Africans are no strangers to overcoming adversity and challenges, with the ability to rise from whatever is thrown their way, often becoming global role models. Just three years ago the nation was on the verge of the Day Zero water crisis, but through rapid interventions were able to change the way our resources were handled and make the most of a dire situation. What … [Read more...]
Pollinating organic skill among SA smallholder farmers
The South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) in collaboration with Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) South Africa (SA) has launched South Africa’s first Ecological Organic Agriculture Pollinator programme. The programme aims to support smallholder farmers to gain recognition for their organic practices and enables them to “pollinate” organic knowledge to support … [Read more...]
Growing pride in African indigenous crops
Nandi Mkwanazi’s agricultural journey started in her grandmother’s garden where she learnt how to grow spinach, tomatoes and chives and rear a coop of Nguni chickens. In 2018 she re-established a 10x12 meter garden in her grandmother’s back yard to feed her family. Seeing the success of her work she quickly expanded and founded Nanloy Organic Farm on two hectares, farming … [Read more...]
Industrialised food systems will not feed Africa
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Institute (SAFCEI) and faith community representatives from Africa recently made public its open letter to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They are appealing to the Gates Foundation to reconsider its approach to “food security and food production” and to stop their push for “input-intensive crop” monoculture agriculture and … [Read more...]
SA launches first organic pollinator programme
The South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) in collaboration with Participatory Guarantee System South Africa (PGSSA) has launched SA’s first Ecological Organic Agriculture Pollinator programme. The programme is training 20 people to set up PGSs throughout South Africa that will help build more connected local food systems, provide organic assurance for consumers … [Read more...]
Acclaim for first vegan and plant powered show
South Africa’s much anticipated inaugural Festive Vegan and Plant Powered Show (FVPPS) took place online at the weekend and proved to be hugely successful. More than 1000 people took part in the six-hour event which featured cooking demonstrations from top local and international chefs, expert health and wellness speakers and a virtual shopping mall. Speaking from his … [Read more...]
Online training: Biodynamics and its role in agriculture
The Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa will be hosting a monthly webinar via Zoom: 25 July - Session 1: Farm organism and the origin and role of biodynamics in agriculture. 29 August - Session 2: A phenomenological approach to soil, plants and animals. 26 September - Session 3: Farm fertility, biodynamic preparations and compost. 31 October - … [Read more...]
