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Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Shannon de Ryhove.

Making headlines today:

South African retailer Woolworths has implemented a move away from ‘conventional farming methods'. It has pioneered a new method of farming fresh produce, which it says is aimed at improving soil and plant health, preserving water and soil, and protecting biodiversity.

The company says that, by 2012, all of Woolworths' locally-grown fresh produce, sourced from produce supplier farms around the country, will either be produced through the so-called 'farming for the future' approach, or organically.

Farming for the future will improve soil health and decrease the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers; conserve water resources; reduce chemical runoff into river systems and dams; protect and promote biodiversity; and allow the earth to more effectively bind carbon.

By 2012, 85% of the retail group's fresh produce will be sourced under the farming for the future programme, with 6% being organic and the 9% balance comprising seasonal imports. Already, some 50% of the company's available fresh produce is ‘farming for the future' compliant.

Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane says that it'll be a bonus if the first phase of the Gautrain rapid-rail link, stretching from the OR Tambo International Airport to Sandton, is ready for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

There has been much speculation on whether the initial phase of the 25,4-billion-rand rand project would be ready in time for the world cup, especially as former Gauteng premiers had indicated repeatedly that it would be completed for the kick-off in June.

Gautrain Management Agency CEO Jack van der Merwe told Engineering News last week that it would be possible to complete the project in time, but that this carried a yet unknown price tag.

A decision on whether accelerating the project was a value-for-money proposition to government was now expected to be taken in December.

Also making headlines:

South Africa's electricity crisis response team hits turbulence.
Ghana has no intention of abrogating Vodafone Group's 900-million-dollar purchase of a 70% stake in Ghana Telecommunications.
The vehicle market starts bottoming out, while rental companies gear up for 2010.
And, South Africa needs longer-term renewable energy targets to unlock the sector's potential.

That's a round up of news making headlines today. For more on these and other stories please visit engineeringnews.co.za.