Industry body AgriSA has announced that it will partake in the Business 20 (B20) South Africa Summit on February 24 and 25, in Cape Town.

The event, which will connect the business community with the Group of 20 (G20) governments, will convene key decision-makers, and among others, discuss pivotal issues facing South Africa’s economic future.

The B20 group includes about 900 business representatives and proposes to the G20 policy recommendations prepared by task forces.

AgriSA views participation in the B20 as an essential opportunity to advocate for policies that support sustainable agricultural growth, global trade and food security in South Africa.

In particular, the organisation will highlight sustainable trade practices. CEO Johann Kotzé says agricultural trade between South Africa and the G20 countries represents 55% of the country’s exports, or R134-billion in value.

“We must ensure climate adaptation, net-zero transition plans and sustainability requirements are integrated into trade conditions without compromising the African food system,” he points out.

Kotzé adds that South African farmers already operate in an environmentally sustainable manner for the most part, with various sustainability standards being met across the value chain.

“We must use these mechanisms to enhance our efforts and demonstrate our progress. It is paramount that the transition plans globally do not compromise the sustainability of the African food system, or the future of G20 markets,” he highlights.

AgriSA will also discuss enhanced market access, since this also feeds into food system sustainability and employment in rural areas. “We must address the non-tariff barriers and acknowledge the role of protocols in managing animal health challenges, for example,” Kotzé notes.

He concludes that the B20 platform presents a unique opportunity to attract investments and create growth prospects that can significantly contribute to South Africa’s economic development.