Senwes launches Agri Value Chain Food Umbrella

In support of Agbiz’s Food Relief Project, Senwes acted as the driving agent by encouraging other major role players in the agricultural sector to volunteer their contributions. This initiative strives to curb the surge of hunger and desperation experienced in poor communities where the devastating effects of the lockdown will be much more prevalent.

Ultimately, the ACV Food Umbrella can be labelled as ‘food from a farmer’ and sees the coming together of primary producers, agri-businesses, logistics companies, processors and distribution centres, working towards the common goal of reaching out to communities destabilised by the effects of the pandemic.

Senwes therefore urges farmers operating in communities that will benefit from this initiative, to rise to the occasion and to donate a few tonnes of their harvest to the worthy cause. Once farmers have made their donations to the ACV Food Umbrella account, Senwes’ silos will receive, handle and store the donated maize free of charge. Senwes’ logistics subsidiary, Grainovation, will then sponsor the transport and distribute the donated maize from the silos to the millers. The millers will mill and package the maize at no cost whereafter Senwes will facilitate the distribution of the maize to old age homes, feeding schemes and farm schools.

Senwes has opened the AVC Food Umbrella 418668 account with a generous donation which will see 14 000 5kg bags maize meal handed out to those in need.

“Conservatively estimated, South Africa will soon start harvesting its second biggest maize crop of around 15,5 million tonnes, thanks to having been blessed with a good production season. At an average price of R2 700 per ton, it would equate to a total farm gate production value in excess of R40 billion. In a time of extreme hardship for many, the industry can play a significant role to stabilise society and alleviate hunger amongst the neediest of society over the duration of this pandemic, which will probably last for another eight to ten months” according to Karen Grobler, Agbiz Marketing and Communications Manager.

Donate to this cause by delivering maize at any Senwes Grainlink silo on delivery number 418668. Other contributions outside of this spectrum can be made by logging onto the AVC Food Umbrella page available at www.senwes.co.za/avc-food-umbrella.

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