Farmers union wants more support, stability to ensure food security
The National Farmers Union South Africa has called for stability in political leadership in the agricultural sector.
DA leader John Steenhuisen was recently appointed as the new agriculture minister, while the PAC’s Mzwanele Nyhontso will head up the rural development and land reform portfolio in the national unity government.
The union believes the constant shuffling of ministers in the two portfolios since 1994 has had a negative impact on service delivery to commercial and emerging farmers.
Last month, the Competition Commission's Fresh Produce Inquiry also found that small-scale farmers find it difficult to sell their produce at fresh produce markets.
It found that less than 1% of sales at fresh produce markets come from these farmers.
READ: Less than 1% of sales at fresh produce markets come from SMEs - inquiry
South African farmers have also been battling the impact of extreme weather conditions on their crops. Over the weekend, the severe cold snap resulted in catastrophic crop losses in Limpopo.
In a statement, NAFU SA said the unequivocal support of the Departments of Agriculture and Land Reform and Rural Development, respectively, will enable farmers to ensure food security and improve trading across the different markets.
"We believe that the Department of Agriculture is being experienced in every section of government because it is a food-enabling department that must be considered as such.
“Unfortunately, governments, especially in Africa, including our own, have not considered the significant role which this department can play for the benefits of the people of this country," the union said, adding that it “continues to call for unity of all South African farmers to work together to guarantee the future of the sector and its products".
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