AGRA PROVISION PRESENTS RESULTS TO PRODUCERS
Published: 28 Apr 2014 

 
After a successful international Swakara pelt auction on the 10th of April in Copenhagen, a team of experts from AGRA ProVision presented the auction results at an interactive evening reception on the 23rd of April in Keetmanshoop. With the concern of the audience as to why the average price decreased with 12.37% compared to the September 2013 auction, the session could not have come at a better time.

The event, which was opened by Agra board member and Swakara producer, Mr Leon van Wyk, was well attended by producers and prospective producers. Van Wyk appluaded Agra ProVision for bringing the results to the producers, and for their continuous effort to grow the industry. “As a producer, you always need to be prepared to find out what the market needs. Only then can you produce products that the market will consume. Therefore, we thank AGRA ProVision for assisting and guiding us in our plight,” he said.

Dagmar Honsbein, the General Manager of Agra ProVision gave a presentation on the latest fur trends and the global acceptance of Swakara. Reflecting on the international fur shows that took place before the auction, she stated that Swakara is a high fashion item and Swakara clients where generally satisfied with the end product. However, other furs such as seal skins and mink still face challenges, and it was reported that mink sales decreased with at least 45% since December 2013. Speaking on the auction results, she said “it is noteworthy to mention that the international market forces determine the pelt price and with the absence of certain buyers, it negatively influenced the prices.” Ms Honsbein continued her presentation by advising the producers on how they can influence the price levels. On this she said, “You (the producers) should always strive to produce top quality pelts, and this begins with selecting the right genetics, taking good care when splaying pelts and increasing on productivity. Only then can we avoid the ongoing situation of buyers requesting to buy outside the auction at a cheaper price.”

Wessel Visser, Agra ProVision’s Manager of Social Business and Services made a comparison on the April 2014 and the previous six auctions (dating back to April 2011). In his presentation, it became evident that the average price for the spotted Swakara is continuously decreasing and since April 2013, the price for spotted pelts has decreased from N$500 to N$200. Mr Visser re-iterated the request to producers to continue producing more quality pelts in diverse colours. He also mentioned that top quality is always awarded and the AGRA/Kopenhagen Quality Award will be continued and reviewed.

In general, the producers where satisfied with the feedback and committed themselves to increase production and quality. Twaku Kayofa, Agra ProVision’s Communication and PR Officer said that Agra as a responsible corporate citizen will remain committed to develop and improve the Swakara industry. “Information sessions form part of Agra’s social responsibility programme and this also goes hand in hand with Agra ProVision’s role; to reach out and empower stakeholders in the agricultural industry.”

Agra ProVision offers interactive information sessions every 2 months to facilitate networking and brainstorming among individuals from various sectors in the government and private industry on topics regarding the agricultural industry. These interactive information sessions are open for invited guests only, but members of the public are welcome to declare their interest to participate at such events.