Nedbank committed to public-private partnerships for sustainable economic growth
Published - 14 May 2019
The spotlight on the first day at the Nation in Conversation dialogue at Nampo is on public-private partnerships for sustainable economic growth in the agrisector.
Discussions, led by former academic Nick Binedell, will focus on government's commitment to remove inhibitors outlined in a five-year Agricultural Sectoral Plan, if the sector commits to the full execution of its five themes of growth, employment creation, skills training, investment and transformation.
'Partnerships between the public and private sector is pivotal to succeed in the agrisector,' according to John Hudson, Nedbank National Head of Agriculture.
'With our unique Whole-view Business Banking approach we immerse ourselves in your business so that we can understand your requirements and provide you with the solutions you need throughout the agrisector, including aspects of the wildlife industry,' adds Hudson.
'We put the building of deep, lasting, value-adding relationships at the centre of everything we do. And that's why your goals are our goals, and your success is our success,' he says.
Farming has often seen water and energy as two separate silos, rather than as scarce resources that need to be dealt with as one holistic challenge. This challenge needs to be recognised if we are to feed the growing population without encroaching on the biodiversity of our ecosystems. To do this we believe that farmers must start looking into innovations from the agritech industry.
Innovations such as the incorporation of renewables to address rising fuel and oil prices, new feeding systems that entail the weighing and blending of all foodstuffs, as well as mobile apps to help farmers monitor the health and whereabouts of their livestock. These innovations and other modern solutions have helped farmers to manage their resources better, improve the overall health and quality of their produce and ensure real-time updates.
Nedbank is actively participating in critical aspects that impact the long-term sustainability of the agricultural industry. This includes an investment in agtech company Aerobotics and our longstanding partnership with WWF-SA, and focuses on responsible farming practices and vitally important issues such as renewable energy, water efficiency and soil health.
As the green bank, Nedbank has been at the forefront of financing renewable-energy solutions that suite all agribusiness types – whether it is to provide power for the farmhouse and staff accommodation, to heat poultry houses or dry crops, to run irrigation and water systems, dairies (pasteurisation, condensation and cleaning processes), horticultural hothouses or wind tunnels, or to manage livestock ventilation heating, cooling and humidifying.
Our efforts are geared towards making a tangible difference in the agrisector, helping to grow the economy and create jobs.
As the largest agricultural exhibition in Africa, Nampo attracts more than 70 000 visitors every year, with almost 800 exhibitors displaying the latest in agriculture solutions and technology.
For more information on Nation in Conversation visit www.nasieingesprek.co.za.
