Agri SA in discussion with the ANC

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Danette Breitenbach

Agri SA welcomed yesterday's discussion forum with the ANC's general secretary, Mr Gwede Mantashe, to re-iterate and motivate its concerns regarding unworkable land reform proposals by government and to request that the state should rather pursue and support voluntary schemes which can yield better results at a much lower cost.

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"Minister Nkwinti last year welcomed Agri SA's framework-proposal, adopted by this organisation's congress, which is based on a supported market approach. Since then, Agri SA has been working closely on a technical level with a governmental task team which advises the government on the implementation of National Development Plan proposals, including that of rural development and land reform. The announcements on limitations of landholdings and the 50/50 farm sharing proposals are in conflict with this, are confusing and undermine confidence," said Dan Kriek, who represented Agri SA at this event.

He emphasised the willingness of commercial agriculture to make substantive contributions to land reform if based on a partnership approach with the state, supported by a financing mechanism which reduces risk and cost.

Mantashe expressed his appreciation for Agri SA's approach to engage regularly and constructively with the government on agricultural policies and cited it as an example to other organisations representing civil society. Although, according to Mantashe consensus is not always attainable, dialogue should lead to outcomes which are more acceptable. He requested that the dialogue with minister Nkwinti be continued, who he believes, will be willing to consider reasonable proposals.