In a farewell address at the 2025 Grain SA Congress, outgoing chairperson Derek Mathews emphasised the resilience and determination of South African grain producers, saying the sector has always been able to adapt to economic volatility, climate challenges and shifting legislative landscapes. 

The congress convened key stakeholders on March 12 and 13 to discuss policy changes, technological advancements, economic resilience and global market trends, all of which affect local grain producers.

The event also introduced Richard Krige as the industry body’s newly elected chairperson, with Danie Minnaar and Jeremia Mathebula having been selected as vice-chairpersons.

Mathews mentioned in his address the risk that implementation of the newly promulgated Expropriation Act posed to agricultural stability and investment, since farmer rights ought to be protected and responsible land policies ought to be implemented.

“As farmers, we have shown resilience in the face of numerous challenges, but we must continue working together to secure a sustainable future for grain production in South Africa,” he stated.

In this regard, Krige pledged to have Grain SA continue advocating for policies that supported sustainable and profitable grain farming, as well as that the organisation would continue to engage with stakeholders to address industry challenges and drive innovation within the sector.

“As we move forward, our focus will remain on ensuring that grain producers are well-represented, that their interests are safeguarded, and that we work collectively to overcome challenges while seizing new opportunities,” he said.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, meanwhile, told delegates of the congress that government would continue to support the grain sector in navigating challenges such as climate change, economic pressures, rural safety and regulatory inefficiencies.

In particular, the Minister highlighted the need for adaptive strategies and collaborative efforts to mitigate climate risks. To address economic concerns, he suggested policy intervention for fair market access and price stability for grain producers would be advocated for.

On the land matter, Steenhuisen told delegates that unresolved restitution claims would be handled transparently to safeguard agricultural productivity.

He added that government was willing to refine the Expropriation Act legislation to align with Constitutional principles and protect property rights while promoting meaningful land reform.

GLOBAL LANDSCAPE

Considering the global agriculture landscape, UK grain producer and Global Farmer Network vice-chairperson Paul Temple urged South African farmers to proactively prepare for shifts in market and policy conditions.

Temple highlighted the importance of conservation agriculture, sharing his personal transition from high-intensity cultivation to minimum till farming and cover cropping.

By adopting these sustainable practices, Temple himself managed to significantly reduce input costs while improving soil health. He encouraged South African grain producers to embrace similar approaches, noting that soil regeneration was a crucial investment in long-term productivity.

Temple also stated that an on-farm analysis was needed to determine which best practices an individual farm needed on an economical basis.

In motivating for science-based innovation, he warned against overly restrictive regulations that limited farmers' access to modern genetics and crop protection technologies. He stressed that South African agriculture must remain open to technological advancements to sustain productivity and remain competitive in global markets.

Drawing from his experience in the UK, Temple underscored the importance of collaboration and participation in global farmer networks. He encouraged South African producers to engage in cooperative ventures that improved market access, reduced costs, and fostered knowledge-sharing across borders.

In sharing Temple’s sentiment, a panel of experts agreed on the need for a shift from short-term survival strategies to long-term planning. “While many farmers focus on immediate financial survival, a more strategic approach – such as investing in technology, improving efficiency, and diversifying income sources - was recommended to ensure competitiveness in an unpredictable market,” the panel said.

Grain SA said in a post-congress release that South Africa grain producers were well-positioned for sustainable growth and global competitiveness, on the back of advancements in seed genetics, digital insights and resilient crop protection strategies being available to use.