SA Agricultural Exports Surge in 2025 as Sector Eyes Youth Involvement
SAs agricultural exports posted a notable upswing in the first quarter of 2025, with a 10% year-on-year increase, pushing total export earnings to US$3.36 billion. This rise is largely attributed to increased volumes of key products like grapes, maize, apples, and wine, combined with favourable international commodity prices.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen highlighted the sector's growing importance to the national economy and its trade performance. He credited the dedication and resilience of South African farmers and stakeholders across the value chain for driving this export success.
While the spotlight was on trade figures, positive movement was also seen in agricultural employment. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey by Statistics South Africa, the sector added jobs in the first quarter of 2025, with employment rising by 1% from the previous quarter. This brought the total number of jobs in primary agriculture to 930,000. The growth was especially noticeable in field crops, game farming, and hunting-related activities.
Despite this quarterly growth, the number of jobs remains slightly lower compared to the same period in 2024, with a 1% decline year-on-year. However, Steenhuisen noted that the upward shift in employment is a promising indicator and reaffirmed the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to bolstering struggling regions and subsectors with targeted interventions.
In light of Youth Month, Steenhuisen also emphasised the need to integrate more young South Africans into the agricultural sector to secure its future. He pointed out that the involvement of youth is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability, and that the sector would benefit from their innovation, energy, and adaptability.
The minister identified several areas that require investment to make the sector more attractive to young people. These include access to funding, agricultural education from an early stage, improved access to land, support with market entry, and the promotion of technology-driven farming practices.
Steenhuisen believes that empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals will help the country not only grow its food economy but also ensure food security for decades to come.
To support this goal, applications for the Department of Agricultures bursary programme for the 2026 academic year are now open, offering opportunities for aspiring students to build careers in agriculture and agribusiness.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen highlighted the sector's growing importance to the national economy and its trade performance. He credited the dedication and resilience of South African farmers and stakeholders across the value chain for driving this export success.
While the spotlight was on trade figures, positive movement was also seen in agricultural employment. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey by Statistics South Africa, the sector added jobs in the first quarter of 2025, with employment rising by 1% from the previous quarter. This brought the total number of jobs in primary agriculture to 930,000. The growth was especially noticeable in field crops, game farming, and hunting-related activities.
Despite this quarterly growth, the number of jobs remains slightly lower compared to the same period in 2024, with a 1% decline year-on-year. However, Steenhuisen noted that the upward shift in employment is a promising indicator and reaffirmed the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to bolstering struggling regions and subsectors with targeted interventions.
In light of Youth Month, Steenhuisen also emphasised the need to integrate more young South Africans into the agricultural sector to secure its future. He pointed out that the involvement of youth is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability, and that the sector would benefit from their innovation, energy, and adaptability.
The minister identified several areas that require investment to make the sector more attractive to young people. These include access to funding, agricultural education from an early stage, improved access to land, support with market entry, and the promotion of technology-driven farming practices.
Steenhuisen believes that empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals will help the country not only grow its food economy but also ensure food security for decades to come.
To support this goal, applications for the Department of Agricultures bursary programme for the 2026 academic year are now open, offering opportunities for aspiring students to build careers in agriculture and agribusiness.
