These are some of the issues that will be discussed at a conference hosted by the Agri Sector Unity Forum (ASUF), in collaboration with North West University (NWU). The conference will take place on 27 and 28 February in Stellenbosch with the theme 'Policy certainty for Agriculture'.
"This is a landmark occasion and we are most certainly building on a proud history for the agricultural sector in South Africa," says Ntombi Msimang, chairperson of ASUF. Msimang added that within ASUF, the major organisations in the agricultural sector came to realise that a united voice for the sector is of major importance and that the differences between the various stakeholders are for the most part definitely not insurmountable.
"Over the past two years or so, since we started the discussions on unity in agriculture, our membership often had to move from entrenched positions towards an appreciation of the common good for the agricultural sector. I was amazed at the level of maturity the particular discussions were conducted at. If this is how democracy can unfold in the wider society it bodes well for the future of South Africa.
"We will also touch on many contentious but important topics, such as the philosophy behind unity and consensus, lessons learnt from history in this regard and what stakeholders will expect from ASUF in future," Msimang says.
"We are pleased that all ASUF founder organisations will be represented at executive and membership level at the conference. This is a reflection of the seriousness with which people view the future of the sector, not only for those directly involved, but also for the country at large," she concludes.
