A word from… Dr Tobias Doyer

June 2024

Agricultural production is tough and requires producers to be resilient and determined. This summer season, the agricultural sector and specifically grain producers faced substantial uncertainty due to the El Niño drought ravaging especially the west. 

For producers this is a solitary battle against the assaults of the elements and the unpredictability of nature, requiring incredible courage and perseverance to navigate through the challenges.

Despite the drought, the grain sector continues to successfully ensure food security for South Africans. While most other countries in Southern Africa face famine due to poverty and a lack of production capacity, South Africans can rest assured. 

Grain producers generate a surplus of grain, which can be channelled from exports, livestock production and processing to bolster food security when needed. This underscores the importance of free-market principles, with appropriate support measures to ensure internationally competitive production. These measures include logistics, access to cutting-edge genetics and other technologies, financing and sustaining producers through exceptional weather conditions.

I want to assure our members that they are not alone during this time when difficult decisions must be made. Grain SA tirelessly supports producers across all fronts to ensure that we create an environment where grain producers can farm profitably. This includes insuring an enabling legislative environment, ensuring that researchers focus on the most important challenges facing grain producers and ensuring competitive markets among many other things. 

Even though producers are challenged to survive this season, we push tirelessly to improve margins to ensure the survival of our members. Grain SA will continue engaging with the government to provide financial assistance through an agricultural disaster fund, access to affordable credit solutions and affordable income insurance to help producers weather the crisis.

Remember to reach out to your neighbours and farmers’ group to share ideas and find encouragement in this difficult time.

– Dr Tobias Doyer is Grain SA’s chief executive officer (CEO), who joined the team in January 2024. 

Publication: June 2024

Section: Pula/Imvula