Our farmers: champions at the dinner table

Hamlet Hlomendlini

While South Africa is still battling one of the worst droughts ever recorded, it is ranked 30th largest agricultural producer in the world and is not only a net exporter, but also Africa’s most productive food country and biggest supplier of agricultural products. What this tells us is that while our farmers might not be the world’s food producers or a superpower in the world’s food market like those of USA, they are certainly a superpower in Africa’s food market and remain South Africa’s economic backbone.

Regarded as least important

However, it is rather unfortunate that agriculture in South Africa is often regarded as least important relative to other sectors of the economy. Perhaps, there is justification for this i.e. if one looks at its contribution to the country’s GDP which is currently lower (standing at less 3%) compared to the contribution by other sectors. Whether this justification is fair to the agricultural sector is debatable. The irony of this, however, is that agriculture exhibits a strong multiplier effect with other economic sectors - in fact it under-guards their success. Whether engaged in manufacturing, mining, transport, construction or any other non-agricultural sector, you must sit every day at the dinner table and enjoy food that is produced by the dedicated hands of a farmer.

Food is an important and fundamental economic product, but it requires a collective effort of those who live and engage in agriculture every day — our farmers, whether big, medium, or small. It's these farmers with the firm grip and the unshakable resolve that look challenges straight in the eye and shake off the disappointments and put energy instead to the potential of what next season can bring. Agriculture is an industry driven by farmers with the purpose and the commitment to produce food that is safe, nutritious and affordable to the local and international markets.

Providing for millions

Beyond the farm gate there is a sophisticated, complex and connected chain of industries that supports farmers in delivering to the needs of their fellow countrymen and of those beyond the borders of South Africa. Our farmers are driven by purpose, willingness and the commitment to excellence in the farms and through every link in the food chain. Agriculture is an industry made possible by our farmers whose hands bring food to the table for millions of people.

As our farmers continue being the best at producing safe and high-quality products, it is therefore crucial that they are allowed an environment that helps them increase and better their productivity continuously. It is imperative that agricultural policies support farmers in their efforts to produce food reasonably — these policies must serve the interests of farmers. Equally important is to reduce regulations and unnecessary legislation that impose compliance burdens on farmers so that they continue being champions at the dinner table of every household in South Africa.

This article was inspired by the song “Here’s to the Farmer” by Luke Bryan.