The severe drought driven by El Nino continues to grip South Africa.

Centurion, 21 January 2016 – AFGRI, a  leading agricultural solutions and food processing company, is offering additional assistance to the nation’s beleaguered farmers, both commercial and emerging. Included are AFGRI’s existing farmers as well as the small-scale farmers that form part of AFGRI’s training and mentorship programme.

Towards the end of 2015, AFGRI dedicated capacity to produce animal feed products to assist farmers during the drought period, many of which are heavily subsidised. It also continues to distribute feed products through its Hinterland retail network.

“With the drought still in effect, livestock farmers are now battling to keep their animals alive,” says AFGRI CEO, Chris Venter. “The situation has become increasingly dire, with livestock farmers in the drought-stricken areas now having no roughage for their animals to graze – in fact, the country will have virtually no roughage left by the end of the winter if the rains don’t continue. In addition to earlier support to farmers, AFGRI is donating R5 million which will be allocated to selected animal feed products to assist farmers through this difficult time.”

For assistance in this regard, farmers can call the AFGRI help-line on 012 657 5199 or visit the AFGRI website to complete the application form.

Furthermore, much-needed financial relief is being offered for the current season (August/September) through the company’s financial arm, Unigro Financial Services, by way of restructuring payment for agricultural debt through various options, including consolidating outstanding amounts into term loans for unpaid revolving credit, production and insurance accounts due during 2016, subject to the availability of security.

“For hire purchases and medium-term loan repayments payable during 2016, we will consider rescheduling the outstanding amounts over the existing period plus one year, with no interest penalties, and will also consider extension for carry-over debt due during 2016, subject to the customer’s repayment ability and the availability of security.”

“Given our nine decade history in the agricultural sector, we understand how challenging the environment is. We want to stand by our farmers and try to help as much as we can, so that we can ensure their ongoing success. The reality is that South Africa simply cannot afford to become reliant on imports if our farmers don’t continue to thrive. Our actions are in line with our commitment as an enabler to food security, and as such we have to do as much as we can to be a true agricultural partner,” Venter concludes.

– end –

 

Issued for:                          AFGRI Limited

Contact:                               Chris Venter, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Tel:                                         011-063-2007

Email:                                    chris.venter@34.255.249.49

Account:                              Keyter Rech Investor Solutions

Contact:                               Vanessa Rech                                                    Lynne Bothma

Tel:                                         087-351-3814 or 083-307-5600                    087-351-3815 or 082-920-4395

Date:                                     January 2016