The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) is a non-profit company, founded in 2004 with the purpose to inform decision-making by stakeholders in the agro-food, fibre and beverage complex by providing independent research-based policy and market analyses. BFAP has offices at the University of Pretoria, the University of Stellenbosch, and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and consists of 40 public and private sector analysts and experts who pool their knowledge and research to inform decision-making within South Africa’s food and beverage sector.
The Integrated Value Information System |
|
 |
The latest initiative BFAP has undertaken is known as the Integrated Value Information System (IVIS) and is in essence a spatial modelling system which integrates economic and spatial modelling approaches into one advanced system that is designed to answer the current and future policy and business questions in the South African agricultural environment. Access the System by clicking on the Logo. |
 |
Palm Oil - a possible health and environmental dilemma (Dr. Rosan Meyer) The increased use of Palm Oil has been driven by concerns over the effect of trans fats on health. While the use of PO in South African products has made it possible to abide by national legislation and international guidance to reduce trans fats and may have calmed consumer concern, it does bring with it two real ethical dilemmas. The first is related to the paucity of data on the human health impact of Palm Oil in the long term, and whether its use in lieu of trans fats may, in fact, have negative health consequences for future generations. The second is related to Palm Oil having significant negative impact on the environment. Read More |
| |
Competitivenss of local grain and oilseeds industries on the global market (Dr. Dirk Strydom - Grain SA and Mr. Divan van der Westhuizen - BFAP)
Locally, producers compare crops and regions to determine competitiveness through study groups and several financial aspects. The big question, however is how do we measure up to teh rest of hte world's producers when it comes to globalisation and the free market. Read More |
 |
The competitiveness of South African broiler production Poultry is a critical subsector within South African agriculture, as the single largest contributor to gross agricultural production value. Its contribution is further amplified through substantial up- and Download the full article summarizing key issues the Poultry industry is facing. Also see the report by BFAP, Evaluating the competitiveness of the South African broiler value chain. |
 |
Press release on Food Inflation Expectations for 2016 and beyond Recently there has been another wave of media reports on the impacts of the drought and the potential increases in food prices. In January BFAP projected that year-on-year inflation of the staple food basket would reach 29%. Download the full report HERE
|
 |
BFAP's Tracy Davids and Diana Mawoko formed part of a discussion around the current drought the country is facing which was broadcast on Business day TV, Soweto TV and Kyknet. Prof Ferdi Meyer was also interviewed on the topic, together with Danie Roodt on "Nasie in gesprek". |
 |
South Africa is currently facing the most severe drought since 1991; in KwaZulu Natal the worst in 73 years. It is clear that a comprehensive plan to manage this drought and ensure food security is needed. Prof Ferdi Meyer together with the minister of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mr. Senzeni Zokwana, participated in a discussion with Freek Robinson in his show on KykNet: Robinson Regstreeks around the drought South Africa is currently experiencing. |
