Agriculture will pave the way to Mzansi’s economic recovery, said Western Cape minister of agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, during a meeting with Agri SA’s top brass earlier today in Stellenbosch.
Meyer hosted Christo van der Rheede and Pierre Vercueil, respectively Agri SA’s newly appointed executive director and president. The minister referenced quarterly reports by Statistics South Africa that “gives us the confidence to believe that agriculture will lead South Africa’s economic recovery. Priorities include farmer development, rural safety and market access.”
While the covid-19 pandemic remains a threat, Meyer called on farmers to shift their focus to economic recovery whilst adhering to the recommended safety measure. He emphasised that agriculture will play a critical role to reset the economy for growth.
Van der Rheede stressed that economic growth required a conducive environment and policy certainty, but above all mutual respect, cooperation and trust.
He said, “Agri SA is committed to collaborate with various layers of provincial and national government entities to drive economic growth, job creation and building and growing and inclusive sector. Without these outcomes, we will not be able to bring peace and prosperity for all of our people.”
Vercueil added that “organised agriculture and farmers serve as a depository of agricultural expertise and knowledge that must be leverage to bring about sustainability and profitability for the sector specific and for the country at large. To be of service to the country is to feed the nation. It is indeed a noble calling.”
