GRAIN SA CHARTS PATH FOR AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE AT 2025 CONGRESS

NAMPO Park, Bothaville – The 2025 Grain SA Congress, held on 12-13 March under the theme A Producer’s Journey, from Surviving to Thriving, brought together key stakeholders, industry experts, and policymakers to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the grain sector. Discussions focused on policy engagement, technological advancements, economic resilience, and global market trends affecting South African grain producers.

Outgoing Chairperson Derek Mathews Reflects on Achievements and Challenges

In his farewell address, outgoing Grain SA Chairperson Derek Mathews emphasised the resilience and determination of South African grain producers. He commended the sector’s ability to adapt to economic volatility, climate challenges, and shifting legislative landscapes while reaffirming Grain SA’s dedication to farmer development and national food security.

A key issue raised was the recent implementation of the Expropriation Act, which Grain SA strongly opposes in its current form. Mathews warned of the potential risks the law poses to agricultural stability and investment, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to protecting farmer rights and advocating for responsible land policies.

“As farmers, we have shown resilience in the face of numerous challenges, but we must continue working together to secure a sustainable future for grain production in South Africa,” Mathews stated, expressing gratitude to industry partners and the farming community for their support during his tenure.

New Leadership: Richard Krige Elected as Chairperson

Grain SA proudly welcomes Richard Krige as the newly elected Chairperson, joined by Vice-Chairs Danie Minnaar and Jeremia Mathebula. This leadership team is committed to building on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors and ensuring that Grain SA remains the trusted voice of South African grain producers.

Krige, a respected grain farmer, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing the sector. Together with Minnaar and Mathebula, he has pledged to continue advocating for policies that support sustainable and profitable grain farming, engage with stakeholders to address industry challenges, and drive innovation and growth within the sector.

“As we move forward, our focus will remain on ensuring that grain producers are well-represented, that their interests are safeguarded, and that we work collectively to overcome challenges while seizing new opportunities,” said Krige.

Minister Steenhuisen’s Commitment to Agricultural Growth

South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, addressed the Congress, acknowledging the critical role of the grain sector in ensuring national food security, economic growth, and rural employment. He pledged government support to help the sector navigate challenges such as climate change, economic pressures, rural safety, and regulatory inefficiencies.

Steenhuisen highlighted the impact of extreme weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and sudden floods, on crop yields. He emphasised the need for adaptive strategies and collaborative efforts to mitigate climate risks. Addressing economic concerns, he acknowledged rising input costs and global market volatility, advocating for policy interventions to support fair market access and price stability for grain producers.

Land reform and security of tenure were also focal points, with Steenhuisen assuring the industry that unresolved restitution claims would be handled transparently to safeguard agricultural productivity. While addressing concerns about the Expropriation Act, he expressed the government’s willingness to refine the legislation to align with constitutional principles and protect property rights while promoting meaningful land reform.

On rural safety, Steenhuisen reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening security in farming communities, working closely with law enforcement to combat agricultural crime, including livestock theft. He also recognised the urgent need to improve rural infrastructure, particularly roads and logistics, to facilitate efficient grain transportation.

Additionally, he outlined government efforts to enhance biosecurity, particularly in managing foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. He proposed a national livestock traceability system to safeguard South Africa’s agricultural exports and ensure compliance with international trade standards. He also pledged to accelerate import tariff adjustments and streamline agricultural remedy approvals to bolster the sector’s global competitiveness.

Paul Temple: Lessons from Brexit for South African Agriculture

Paul Temple, a UK grain producer and Vice-Chair of the Global Farmer Network, delivered a keynote address emphasising adaptability in the face of evolving global agricultural landscapes. Using Brexit as a case study, Temple urged South African farmers to proactively prepare for shifts in market and policy conditions.

Temple highlighted the importance of conservation agriculture, sharing his personal transition from high-intensity cultivation to minimum till farming and cover cropping. By adopting these sustainable practices, he significantly reduced input costs while improving soil health. He encouraged South African grain producers to embrace similar approaches, noting that soil regeneration is a crucial investment in long-term productivity. Also stated that an on-farm analysis is needed to determine which best practices suite individual farm needs on an economical basis.

A strong advocate for science-based innovation, Temple warned against overly restrictive regulations that limit farmers' access to modern genetics and crop protection technologies. He stressed that South African agriculture must remain open to technological advancements to sustain productivity and remain competitive in global markets.

Temple also emphasised the growing demand for protein, presenting opportunities for soybean and livestock producers in South Africa. He advised farmers to focus on sustainable intensification - producing more with fewer resources - while managing risks through diversification and closer integration with supply chains.

Drawing from his experience in the UK, Temple underscored the importance of collaboration and participation in global farmer networks. He encouraged South African producers to engage in cooperative ventures that improve market access, reduce costs, and foster knowledge-sharing across borders.

Panel Discussion: From Surviving to Thriving

A panel of experts explored strategies for strengthening South African grain production, focusing on financial resilience, long-term planning, market trends, and the role of innovation in ensuring sustainability.

A key theme of the discussion was the importance of understanding economic cycles and cost structures. With grain and oilseed prices experiencing downward trends while input costs remain high, farmers were urged to closely track their cost of production. Without clear financial insights, long-term sustainability becomes difficult to achieve, and financial institutions increasingly require cost transparency when assessing creditworthiness and investment viability.

Panellists stressed the need for a shift from short-term survival strategies to long-term planning. While many farmers focus on immediate financial survival, a more strategic approach - such as investing in technology, improving efficiency, and diversifying income sources - was recommended to ensure competitiveness in an unpredictable market.

Todd Heap: Innovation and the Future of Maize Farming

Todd Heap, Bayer’s Global Corn Strategy Lead, provided insights into cutting-edge innovations in maize production and the importance of continued investment in agricultural technology. He emphasised that technological advancements, including seed genetics, precision breeding, and digital agriculture, are essential to improving yields and reducing environmental impact.

Heap highlighted the development of shorter stature maize hybrids, designed to improve drought resilience by increasing root mass and water retention. This innovation, he noted, represents a significant step toward future-proof farming in the face of climate variability.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Growth and Resilience

The 2025 Grain SA Congress underscored the sector’s transition from surviving to thriving. With ongoing advancements in seed genetics, digital insights, and resilient crop protection strategies, South African grain producers are well-positioned for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Grain SA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers through economic challenges by providing access to information, facilitating discussions on best practices, and advocating for policy changes that benefit the industry. Farmers were encouraged to embrace long-term strategic planning, invest wisely in technology, and strengthen collaborations across the value chain to build a resilient and thriving agricultural sector.

As the Congress concluded, industry leaders emphasised the need for continued innovation, policy engagement, and knowledge-sharing to ensure that South African grain producers remain at the forefront of global agricultural advancements.

Ends

Issued by: 
Grain SA Communications

Further enquiries:
Dr Tobias Doyer, CEO, Grain SA
tobias.doyer@grainsa.co.za