Latest news with #livelihoods
The Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
AgriSA and community leaders warn of economic fallout from tobacco legislation
Thousands of rural households could lose their livelihoods if the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill is passed, AgriSA has warned. In its parliamentary submission, AgriSA said the bill, in its current form, neglects to consider the broader implications on agricultural livelihoods. It said tobacco farming remained a vital income source for thousands of rural households, especially in provinces where alternative crops were not economically viable. 'We feel that good legislation is necessary to avoid harmful consequences that might not be foreseen in terms of the present bill. Our emphasis is on fixing what is wrong before we progress to further statutory requirements, the consequences of which have not been fully explored. 'We don't have a vested interest in smoking. We have a vested interest in a constructively regulated, purposeful, evidence-based bill that doesn't create the unforeseen consequence whereby we're supporting illegality through regulation, which is not appropriate to achieve the objective we all want to see achieved,' said AgriSA's Janse Rabie. Rabie said tobacco production dropped by about 50% in five years. 'Why? Because illicit trade has eaten their market away. That's the bottom line and farmers ask the honest question to government: why has government allowed our market to be eaten away by illicit trade? 'If you want to really address the harm, you need to properly legislate the ability to enforce. We absolutely need to make sure that what is in place is properly enforced and that we don't carry on a system that is not working and is allowing for additional illegality to take place.' Nedlac Community Trust CEO Nhlanhla Ndlovu said the issue of the Tobacco Bill was 'misguided from the point of view of not quantifying the impact to producers like farmers, with potential significant implications for the farmers, workers and communities they support'. 'It looks like there's an economic impact that will result in an inability, among affected farmers and communities, to make an income, but there's no viable replacement programme. You are taking away livelihoods in a context where crime stats are showing an increase across the board.' ActionSA MP and harm reduction advocate Dr Kgosi Letlape added his voice, saying the bill seemed to condemn adult smokers to death while 'concentrating solely on issues of youth uptake, which are important, but the deaths don't come from the youth'. He was also concerned about the impact on agriculture in SA. 'Should our agricultural sector be looking beyond our borders to progressive markets where their products could be used for less harmful sources of nicotine? 'My fear is not that the industry will die, it'll just be driven into the wrong hands.' TimesLIVE
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AP PHOTOS: Fishermen say a new natural gas project off Senegal's coast threatens their livelihoods
SAINT LOUIS, Senegal (AP) — Fishermen say a new natural gas project off the coast of Senegal — a joint venture between British energy giant BP and U.S.-based Kosmos Energy — is threatening their livelihoods. The project, which started operations late last year, is meant to bring jobs to the densely populated fishing community. But residents say they are catching fewer fish because the fish are drawn to the project's platform, which fishermen cannot approach. They also say the price of cooking gas keeps rising, even after lower prices were a major selling point for the project. BP says talks with the community are ongoing. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
AP PHOTOS: Fishermen say a new natural gas project off Senegal's coast threatens their livelihoods
SAINT LOUIS, Senegal (AP) — Fishermen say a new natural gas project off the coast of Senegal — a joint venture between British energy giant BP and U.S.-based Kosmos Energy — is threatening their livelihoods. The project, which started operations late last year, is meant to bring jobs to the densely populated fishing community. But residents say they are catching fewer fish because the fish are drawn to the project's platform, which fishermen cannot approach. They also say the price of cooking gas keeps rising, even after lower prices were a major selling point for the project. BP says talks with the community are ongoing. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Bloomberg
29-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Musk Is Leaving Washington Pretty Much as He Found It
This is Bloomberg Opinion Today, the Goldilocks choice of Bloomberg Opinion's opinions. Sign up here. Last night, Elon Musk thanked President Donald Trump 'for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.' The key word to note here is 'opportunity.' He had a chance to do something big! But he … did nothing with it, other than turn the White House into a car dealership for a day and ruin thousands of livelihoods for no apparent reason.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starmer hails trade deals ahead of meeting with national and regional leaders
Recent trade deals with the US, India and the EU will 'improve livelihoods' across the UK, Sir Keir Starmer said. Ahead of a meeting with devolved national and regional leaders on Friday, the Prime Minister sought to highlight the economic benefits of the recent deals. The UK Government says Scottish produce such as whisky, salmon and gin will all receive a boost from tariffs being slashed and trade barriers being cut. Ministers say this week's 'reset' deal with the EU will address problems experienced by salmon exporters since 2019. Welsh farmers will benefit from the elimination of India's lamb tariffs and the ability to export meat products to the EU. Northern Irish whiskey exports to India will benefit from tariffs halving trom 150% to 75% before falling further to 40% over a decade. The Council of Nations and Regions will meet in London on Friday, bringing together political leaders from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London and English metro mayors. This will be the second formal meeting since the council was set up by the Labour Government, with the first taking place in Edinburgh last October. The Prime Minister said 'these trade deals deliver long-term security' for people across the UK. 'They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives. 'These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods.' Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said his industry welcomed the latest trade deals. He said: 'Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the UK. 'Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape.' However, the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, which represents fishing fleets around the country, has described the EU deal as a 'horror show' which fails to deal with sovereign access rights. During the meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister is expected to challenge the devolved leaders to use the trade deals to drive growth forward in their areas. The leaders will also discuss the use of AI in delivering services. Ahead of the meeting, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said there must be a UK-wide mission to raise living standards. He will also take part in bilateral talks with the Prime Minister on Friday and will call for the winter fuel payment to be restored for pensioners. Mr Swinney said: 'People across the UK are living through a period of huge uncertainty and, for some, that is undermining the trust they have in government. 'Cutting the winter fuel payment saw the UK Government breaking promises and removing vital financial support for some of the most vulnerable in our society. 'Having effectively conceded the argument by announcing a partial U-turn, the Prime Minister should accept the cut was wrong and restore a universal winter fuel payment.' He added: 'I will raise this issue with him alongside other critical issues, including our proposal for a Scottish graduate visa, carbon capture and what impacts recent trade deals will have on Scottish producers and businesses.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
