Opportunities for co-operation between government and commercial agriculture to develop this industry to its full potential in South Africa and Southern Africa were discussed today by an Agri SA delegation and President Zuma and some of his cabinet members. Both President Zuma and Agri SA Johannes Möller said after the meeting that they were satisfied with the foundation that had been laid for a relationship and constructive dialogue whereby the industry’s challenges can be tackled.

“During the discussions it was agreed that a successful commercial agricultural sector made an indispensable contribution to national food security, job opportunities, poverty relief and rural development, but that the performance of the industry could be improved if government and the role players in the industry join forces to eliminate the hurdles and utilise growth opportunities,” said Möller.

During the meeting the Agri SA delegation emphasised the development potential of the sector, the factors that hampered such development, but also the attitude of role players in commercial agriculture and their willingness to join the government in further unlocking the potential of the industry. This opportunity was also used to discuss inter alia agricultural marketing problems, rural infrastructure shortcomings, opportunities for the development of a bio-fuels industry, opportunities for other forms of value-adding by the processing of primary products and the need to eliminate the uncertainty that land claims create in respect of investment and production.

President Zuma noted that although Agri SA liaised regularly with various ministers, there was a need for better overall policy co-ordination, with special attention to improved management of the implementation of policy and programmes particularly where several government institutions are involved.

President Zuma asked Agri SA to provide the government with inputs towards a framework within which policy coordination can take place, but said the focus should also be on programmes to ensure effective progress with agricultural development. He also made arrangements for a focus group to be established at ministerial level to deal more holistically with agriculture’s development needs. Such a ministerial group would consider relevant programmes and proposals, after which discussions would be held with Agri SA.