As South Africa gears up for a new government of national unity, leading figures in the agricultural sector are urging for a transformative and inclusive strategy to address the critical challenges hindering the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economic growth.
Chief executive of Agri SA, Johann Kotzé, said the agricultural sector continues to exceed expectations with consistent growth and remains competitive and agile regardless of the challenges it faces on multiple fronts.
He said it was critically important to create an enabling business environment, ensure investor confidence, and maintain policy certainty through stable economic policies, secure property rights, and a supportive legal framework, which he said would be vital to stimulate further growth of the sector.
Renewed focus on Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan
“Much-needed investment hinges heavily on the dynamics of the new administration and its use of economic growth levers. Agriculture is not only vital for South Africa’s economy but also the sustainability of rural communities.”
“There is a growing recognition of the sector’s potential to contribute to the growth of the rural economy, job creation, and national food security,” he said.
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According to Kotzé, the sector needs to renew its focus on the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP).
“The participating social partners agree that the AAMP offers a framework to grow the agriculture and agro-processing sector, build competitiveness, attract more investment, improve inclusion, and create jobs.”
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“We should review the AAMP’s objectives and assess the work or projects undertaken by various stakeholders that align with its goals. This review could assist in revitalising the commitment and focus of the social partners,” he said.
Kotzé emphasised the need for the new administration to prioritise key areas alongside the AAMP’s focus, including biosecurity, agricultural exports, infrastructure, water rights, development of rural economies, rural safety and crime, food security, and regular liaison between government and the industry.
“Public-private partnerships have been integral to South Africa’s agricultural success story, and the government must maintain favourable policies for investors and farmers. Ensuring non-interventionist trade policies, avoiding export blocks or price caps, and maintaining robust infrastructure and property rights are crucial.
“Proper land governance and openness to scientific advancements in seed breeding, agrochemicals, and genetics are among the positives that the new administration should continue to ensure,” he said.
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