TRD: GLOBAL WARMING AND AGRICULTURE:
AGRIBUSINESS AND CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE
AGRIBUSINESS AND CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE
17 – 18 JUNE 2009
ERINVALE HOTEL, SOMERSET WEST
Climate change is a reality, affecting us all on multiple levels. The more serious effects of climate change will only become apparent two or three generations from now ... which places on us a responsibility to future generations to safeguard the planet.
“Environmental researchers predict Southern Africa will be hit heavily by climate change over the next 70 years. Agricultural production is projected to be halved – a development that will threaten the livelihoods of farmers in a region where 70 percent of the population are smallholder farmers” – SACAU meeting, 15 – 16 April 2009, Durban (Inter Press Service News Agency)
With the launch of the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for the Western Cape during January 2009, the agricultural sector and its stakeholders will have to respond in a responsible way by taking the lead in adaptation and mitigation plans over the entire value chain.
Against this background, the SA Agri Academy (SAAA), Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the British Consulate General Cape Town, and UK Trade and Investment are hosting an Agribusiness and Climate Change conference with a difference on 17 and 18 June 2009 in Somerset West.
The aim of this event is to discuss relevant topics in order to develop action plans which, when implemented, will make a real contribution to slowing down the pace of global warming and climate change and its effects on the agricultural sector.
Several high profile climate change experts from the UK and South Africa will take part in this prestigious event and papers, round table discussions and break away sessions will focus on various topics, including the following:
- Greening the supply chain
- Water and alternative water supply options
- Alternative crops and production practises (including dealing with extremes)
- More resilient and appropriate breeds (including dealing with extremes)
- Reducing carbon emissions using green land management principles
- Biogas mitigation and renewable energy options
- Carbon footprint within the global food trade
- Carbon credits and trading
- Climate change and food security
A preliminary programme will be available during the middle of May 2009 from the SA Agri Academy website. For enquiries on the programme and speakers, please contact Dr I Trautmann.
REGISTRATION
Please diarise the dates of 17 – 18 June 2009 and register as soon as possible. The final date for
registration is Wednesday 10 June 2009. The conference fee of
R1 350 will include lunches and refreshments, and an African evening.
Kindly complete and forward the enclosed registration form to the SAAA by email at
info@agriacademy.co.za or facsimile 021‐8801274. For more information, contact Lina Keyter or
Amanda Binedell at 021‐8801276/77.
Registration form: - download here (right-click, "Save file as")
ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Delegates are responsible for their own accommodation bookings and travel arrangements. Please
contact the hotel directly for accommodation bookings. Contact Genine Mcintyre (Erinvale Hotel) at
021‐8471160 or conf@erinvale.co.za or 086‐5200535.
