Suggestions for fostering growth Focus points to accelerate growth
Create an enabling environment
Establish rural farmers’ associations
To create jobs, to continue to ensure food security and to increase exports, South Africa must create a conducive environment for farming investments and ensure that the industry is globally competitive. The State is starting to remove itself as the central figure and is aspiring more to partnering with the private sector. Establish community farmers’ associations to formalise the industry into a stronger agricultural front. The initial idea of incorporating black farmers into existing agricultural associations had limited success, owing to language barriers, and a better structure must be devised. New entrant farmers must also be better assisted to ensure that they are financially viable and environmentally sustainable.
Formalise informal trade
More small-scale farmer support
To help formalise the informal agricultural market, an online trading platform must be established to trade farming produce. There are currently several such platforms under development, but it requires a more centralised approach.
Provide access to more veterinary support, including veterinarians and animal health technicians, for small-scale farmers in remote regions to improve on disease control. Focused education and training sessions at communal dipping sites could be introduced to train smaller farmers in early disease detection. Rapid tests must be acknowledged by authorities and used at these points for effective disease control. A national livestock identification and traceability system must be implemented to better manage disease control and to combat animal theft.
Prioritse infrastructure investment
Crumbling infrastructure has major implications for the continued growth of the agriculture industry. Government must prioritise investment in the repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Pursue passive income more strategically
As renewable-energy investments gain momentum in South Africa, energy farming has become a passive income for many in the farming community. Commercial farmers and the State, on behalf of emerging farmers, must better share these ‘windfall’ gains. Commercial farmers must guard against being perceived as ‘greedy’.
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