Agri WC applauds farmers’ resilience, urges support

The chief executive officer of Agri Western Cape, Jannie Strydom, has applauded farmers in the province for their resilience and determination despite the local and geopolitical challenges directly impacting the various commodities in their area of jurisdiction.

Food For Mzansi caught up with Strydom at the sidelines of Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, where he addressed concerns, but also opportunities for farmers.

Tiisetso Manoko: What is the state of agriculture in the Western Cape at the moment?

Jannie Strydom: Currently, we are a bit concerned as we were very hopeful for a good grain season. Unfortunately, we have areas where we are in dire need of rain. And some perhaps in some areas too late, however, we are still hopeful that rain can make a difference and contribute to a good season.

Coming out of a good fruit season, I think we have seen a good harvest of the table grapes exported, wine grapes also did well, apples and pears also did well.

Fortunately, we did not get floods and infrastructure damage; we only got the rain that we needed. Despite all challenges the farmers are facing, it is going well. We are positive and thankful to our farmers for producing fruit and ensuring food security.

Climate change remains a big challenge. How are farmers adapting to the need for smart farming?

The main issue is to ensure that our infrastructure is in place. In terms of our networks and our relationship with the department of infrastructure, we are working very closely with them. And I think as a collective, we can assist and address where issues might occur.

I think we also need to be ready about how we deal with climate change, but also have efficiency on water rights applications and have proper irrigation systems. There is also a need for commodity organisations to work towards implementing climate-resistant crops.

How has the impact of US tariffs hit the producers and agriculture in the Western Cape?

What we are all seeing and are aware of is that, especially the citrus commodity is a big off-take, especially in our province, because of the quality, and that will be felt in due course. However, what is yet to be determined is where on the value chain will the 30% be accommodated. Will it be at farm gate, or somewhere in the processing or down the value chain, the exporters or buyers, importers or consumers?

Or also, how are we going to distribute the 30%? It is without a doubt that certain areas will be affected more than others; hopefully, new markets will ease the pressure. It is easy to say explore new markets, but it will take time to establish new markets.

Farmers are feeling the pressure from all corners. What is your message of hope to them?

The first thing I want to say, and say it from the bottom of my heart, is that I take off my hat to our farmers. It is really not easy farming. I think there are huge challenges, both internal and external. Some of the factors they can control, some they cannot. And despite all this, they are still producing and giving their best, quality product at an affordable price to the consumers.

What is also interesting is that the produce that we are producing, the consumer is able to purchase them at an affordable price. And it is important that the other socio-economic issues in our country need to be addressed to create an enabling environment for farmers to continue producing quality stuff that they do.

How does the rest of the year look?

We are running downhill now towards the Christmas season, and I just want to say all the best to our grain producers. Soon the harvesting will start and I hope they will have a good season, yields, quality and price. I think it’s really time they realise a good season, as they did not do well in the last season. I will say continue doing what you are doing because the country needs you.