Steenhuisen urges Agriculture to collaborate with other departments to unlock the sector's potential
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen expressed his intent to collaborate with several departments outside his portfolio in a transversal manner to fully unlock the agriculture sector's potential as a driver of job creation, economic growth, and rural development.
In his budget vote presentation yesterday, Steenhuisen highlighted this approach as the GNU-strategy for the sector.
"There are numerous departments beyond agriculture that directly impact it," he said. "These include transport, which is vital for the essential road and rail routes farmers need to bring their goods to market."
"The ports are crucial for international market access, and the SAPS are essential partners in improving rural safety and protecting our most valuable assets - farmers and farmworkers - from violent crime."
Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of the Department of Water and Sanitation in enhancing access to and development of water resources.
"I am committed to ensuring that our farmers, farmworkers, and the sector have a strong advocate in me," he said. "I plan to collaborate with all stakeholders, including members of this House, to open more opportunities for our farmers and sectoral partners."
Nkhensani Mashimbyi, an agricultural economist at Absa AgriBusiness, praised Steenhuisen's "proactive efforts in swiftly identifying and implementing pivotal plans and actions."
"These initiatives aim to address long-standing challenges within the agricultural sector while leveraging the commendable successes achieved by industry stakeholders so far," Mashimbyi said. "Recent setbacks in the industry, including animal disease outbreaks, port inefficiencies, and EU export restrictions on citrus, highlight the need for this collaborative approach."
Mashimbyi also noted the minister's recognition of advancements in technology and biotechnology within the sector and the need for updated policies and legislation to maintain competitiveness internationally.
Absa AgriBusiness commended the allocation of funds to initiatives addressing core issues that drive change, such as R10 million for the National Biosecurity Hub programme, R22 million for pest and disease surveillance, and various farmer support programmes.
"As financiers, we are familiar with the development areas and challenges faced by our producers and are committed to supporting the agricultural industry's growth," the organization stated. "Remaining resilient as a sector requires further research and investment in sustainability to expand our competitive advantage in global markets."
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA, emphasized the need for clear communication of the 2022 adopted Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) and renewed commitment with all stakeholders across government levels.
"A regrouping and assurance that the AAMP is the guiding policy is necessary," Sihlobo said. "Following this, a delivery process with timelines is required for the Department of Agriculture to regain confidence and demonstrate its commitment to implementation."
In his budget vote presentation yesterday, Steenhuisen highlighted this approach as the GNU-strategy for the sector.
"There are numerous departments beyond agriculture that directly impact it," he said. "These include transport, which is vital for the essential road and rail routes farmers need to bring their goods to market."
"The ports are crucial for international market access, and the SAPS are essential partners in improving rural safety and protecting our most valuable assets - farmers and farmworkers - from violent crime."
Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of the Department of Water and Sanitation in enhancing access to and development of water resources.
"I am committed to ensuring that our farmers, farmworkers, and the sector have a strong advocate in me," he said. "I plan to collaborate with all stakeholders, including members of this House, to open more opportunities for our farmers and sectoral partners."
Nkhensani Mashimbyi, an agricultural economist at Absa AgriBusiness, praised Steenhuisen's "proactive efforts in swiftly identifying and implementing pivotal plans and actions."
"These initiatives aim to address long-standing challenges within the agricultural sector while leveraging the commendable successes achieved by industry stakeholders so far," Mashimbyi said. "Recent setbacks in the industry, including animal disease outbreaks, port inefficiencies, and EU export restrictions on citrus, highlight the need for this collaborative approach."
Mashimbyi also noted the minister's recognition of advancements in technology and biotechnology within the sector and the need for updated policies and legislation to maintain competitiveness internationally.
Absa AgriBusiness commended the allocation of funds to initiatives addressing core issues that drive change, such as R10 million for the National Biosecurity Hub programme, R22 million for pest and disease surveillance, and various farmer support programmes.
"As financiers, we are familiar with the development areas and challenges faced by our producers and are committed to supporting the agricultural industry's growth," the organization stated. "Remaining resilient as a sector requires further research and investment in sustainability to expand our competitive advantage in global markets."
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA, emphasized the need for clear communication of the 2022 adopted Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) and renewed commitment with all stakeholders across government levels.
"A regrouping and assurance that the AAMP is the guiding policy is necessary," Sihlobo said. "Following this, a delivery process with timelines is required for the Department of Agriculture to regain confidence and demonstrate its commitment to implementation."
