While agriculture has been a mainstay of growth in South Africa’s economy over the last three decades, the industry cannot be sustainable without addressing issues of equity and inclusion in farming and land ownership, says President Cyril Ramaphosa in his latest weekly newsletter.

He says transformation remains a challenge in agriculture, citing research by agriculture economist Wandile Sihlobo finding that black farmers only account for 10% of commercial output in the sector.

“Our growth agenda must therefore have a bias towards the empowerment of black farmers,” Ramaphosa states.

The inclusion of black farmers in commercial agriculture necessitates that land is made available to them, the President explains, confirming that the ongoing land reform process and release of government land will continue to benefit emerging farmers and ensure they add to the growth of the farming economy.

This endeavour requires multi-sectoral collaboration, Ramaphosa emphasises. “The Land Bank and other commercial financiers will need to collaborate by providing capital. Organised agriculture can come on board to deploy the necessary training,” he adds.

Ramaphosa says it is in the interest of all South African to have an agriculture sector that is representative and inclusive, while contributing to the growth of the economy and ensuring food security.

Commenting on other agriculture imperatives, Ramaphosa says government is partnering with industry stakeholders to advance growth-enhancing measures stated in sector plans, including the Poultry and Sugar Master Plans.

He stresses the importance of creating more work opportunities in the most vulnerable areas of the country.

However, Ramaphosa also acknowledges that agriculture, like many other sectors, is affected by municipal service delivery challenges, including the poor state of infrastructure.

To this end, he says the structural reforms that started during the sixth administration are making progress in addressing some of these challenges, including improvements in port and rail infrastructure.

Ramaphosa concludes that several road transport and bulk water infrastructure projects are also under way that will boost the continued growth of agriculture.