3.

Policy decisions

The PRF strives to adapt continuously to changing circumstances brought about by the dynamics of a modern society. The degree of success achieved by the PRF is determined by a wide variety of disciplines, described in paragraph 2. This means that the PRF has to be informed of the latest technology, and that it has to adapt to such technology.

The two generic marketing programmes require far more attention than mere input from the respective work groups. Consequently, the Board decided to appoint two ad hoc task teams to attend to these matters exclusively. Experts and co-workers will be co-opted as members of the task teams as and when required.

The composition of the PRF Board enjoyed in-depth attention during the current year to ensure compliance with all current activities. A generic soybean marketing programme was announced last year and the programme is progressing according to plan. This year, the PRF decided to implement a similar canola generic marketing programme and Mr Andries Theron, a leading expert and producer, was appointed as a member of the Board with effect from 1 March 2010, for a period of one year. He will represent the interests of canola on the Board, while Mr Kobus Schonken, well-known and successful canola producer, was appointed as a member of the canola planning task team.

In the previous research report mention was made of a planned investigation into the canola industry by means of a questionnaire, to determine the reasons why not more producers enter this industry. No research institution could attend to the matter immediately so the PRF decided to handle the research internally under the guidance of the vice-chairman, Mr JSG Joubert. The research has been completed and the findings will be published, with follow-up, in 2010/2011.

The PRF celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2010. Celebration functions will be held in the five most important PRF activity centres, namely, Johannesburg/Pretoria, KwaZulu-Natal, Stellenbosch, Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom. Special functions will be held, involving as many friends and co-workers as possible, to strengthen and renew friendship ties.

The Board also decided to review its long-term awards. The ten year awards were extended to include service awards for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. Board members that received long-term awards during the year are:

In addition, Mrs M du Preez, was the first staff member to receive a long-term service award, for 10 years of service.

Another milestone was reached with the 100th PRF Board meeting that was held in January 2010. This special event was celebrated with a special dinner. Former Board members were included in the guest list for the occasion.

In an attempt to secure more stability for PRF actions, the Board decided to purchase its own building. Negotiations are at an advanced stage and the outcome will be reported in the 2010/2011 research report.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Embrapa was taken a step further when the so-called Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) was signed, and in the case of INTA, the MOU was followed up with the signing of a Material Transfer and Security Agreement. The PRF has set great store on the co-operation agreements with these institutions, and expects results as early as 2010/2011.