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Omnia welcomes minister's commitment to security for farmers and South Africa’s food supply

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Published: Friday, 16 April 2010 06:00

Omnia welcomes minister's commitment to security for farmers and South Africa’s food supply

Omnia Fertilizer welcomes the stance on crime taken by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson in the Debate on Budget in Parliament yesterday.

The Minister’s commitment to "working tirelessly to fight for safety on farms" will play a vital role in ensuring food security in South Africa as well as providing the right environment for much needed capital investments across the entire Agriculture chain, from farmers, to input suppliers, financiers, logistic companies and food processors.

Commenting on the Minister’s speech, Trevor Grant, Managing Director of Omnia Fertilizer, said: "We are delighted that the government has acknowledged the importance of security for our farmers and South Africa’s food supply. This is a community that struggles to operate in challenging economic and environmental circumstances. It is made up of hard working men and women from all backgrounds - long established and emerging farmers, who have struggled over the last few years to make a good living from their trade. Protecting and supporting them and their workers is an important stepping stone to food security in South Africa."

Omnia Fertilizer welcomes government’s commitment to improving sector competitiveness, driving agrarian reform and rural development, facilitating funding, and helping farmers in utilizing the country’s arable land more effectively.

Mr. Grant added: "Omnia has a long history of working with the farming community, in upskilling emerging farmers, and assisting established farmers to utilize the country’s arable land more effectively. We are committed to working with government in sharing this expertise, to ensure that industry and government come together to better achieve our common goal of driving competitiveness in South African agriculture, and supporting our farmers."

About Omnia Fertilizers

Omnia Fertilizer produces dry, liquid and speciality fertilizers, and has production plants throughout South Africa. The division sells plant nutrition products directly to farmers as well as to cooperatives and wholesalers within South Africa. The business also supplies materials to the Omnia Fertilizer businesses outside South Africa, as well as to Omnia Specialities, BME and certain businesses in the Protea Chemicals stable.

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For more information contact: Omnia Fertilizers

Trevor Grant, Managing Director (011 709 8961)

Issued by Brunswick:

Rachel Quigley (011) 502-7400