“The greatest asset the department, and indeed our country has, is our nation's incredible farmers and farm workers. They are world-class producers and rank amongst the best in the world. They need our thanks. They need our support and they need us on their side.”

New Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen presented his inaugural budget speech during a mini plenary in the National Assembly on Tuesday (16/7).

He acknowledged the broad spectrum of agriculture, stating, “Agriculture is not just farming. It is economics, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, research, science, tourism, water, and many other things.” He emphasised the sector’s contribution of 2,8% to the national economy and approximately 6% to total employment, highlighting its pivotal role in rural economies and foreign earnings.

South Africa’s agricultural sector has shown remarkable resilience despite recent global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 unrest, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Steenhuisen noted that from 2019 to 2023, the sector increased its value-add by over 25%, creating more than 113 000 new jobs and expanding agricultural imports by R47 billion. This growth, he attributed to the agility and adaptability of farmers and value chain players.

The cornerstone of agriculture’s growth strategy remains the Agricultural and Agri-Processing Master Plan (AAMP), adopted in 2022. Steenhuisen expressed his commitment to accelerating the plan’s objectives, focusing on a collaborative approach involving government, private sector, industry, and agribusiness. An executive committee chaired by Steenhuisen will oversee the AAMP’s commodity value chain approach and transformation schemes.

“I wish to make it clear to the industry and this committee that I have no intention of reinventing the wheel. Instead, the focus will be on rapidly accelerating the objectives of the AAMP and ensuring that my department upholds its commitments contained in the plan.”

Steenhuisen further underscored the need to modernise outdated agricultural legislation, such as the Fertilisers, Farm Seeds, and Remedies Act of 1947. He emphasised working with Parliament to update policies to align with international standards, leveraging new technologies and practices to ensure global competitiveness.

Highlighting the importance of biosecurity, Steenhuisen discussed plans to implement a new track and trace system for livestock to enhance biosecurity and combat stock theft. The department, in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, will invest R10 million in a national biosecurity hub program aimed at strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary capacities.

It was a great honour to deliver my first budget and policy speech in the National Assembly this morning. I will be on the sector's side as together we open more gates of opportunity for our farmers, farmworkers and sectoral partners. ????#LetsGrowTogether pic.twitter.com/rKzEB96Ly0

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) July 16, 2024

Steenhuisen acknowledged the vital role of farmers and farm workers, pledging support through various initiatives. He announced the continuation and expansion of the blended finance scheme, designed to increase access to affordable finance for black producers. In addition, the Agro Energy Fund, developed in partnership with the Land Bank, will support alternative energy sources for energy-intensive agricultural activities.

“Additionally, R448 million will be made available to support 67 492 vulnerable households with food production aiming to create 9 461 jobs, and R 1,74 billion will be available to support approximately 6 023 smallholder producers across all nine provinces through the provincial departments of agriculture.”

With agricultural exports showing strong growth, Steenhuisen highlighted efforts to open new markets. This year marks the first season for exporting avocados to Japan, China, and India, and new markets for beef, lamb, table grapes, and citrus have also been secured. Maintaining and expanding these markets is crucial for the sector’s profitability.

‘He committed to knocking on all doors to unlock the agricultural sector’s potential’

Recognising the interconnected nature of agriculture with other sectors, Steenhuisen stressed the importance of collaboration with various government departments, including transport, water, and safety, to improve infrastructure and security for farmers. He committed to knocking on all doors to unlock the agricultural sector’s potential as the engine room of job creation in the economy.

Concluding his speech, Steenhuisen reflected on an inspiring open letter he received, vowing to work closely with all stakeholders to seize this opportunity for growth.

“Yes, I will be on the sector’s side. Together, we open the gates of opportunity for our farmers, small and large, our sectoral partners, and honourable chairs for us to grow. Let’s grow together,” he declared.

OFM Agri mvh