UNITY AND DIALOGUE LEADS TO CONSENSUS IN LAND REFORM MOTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAMPO Park, Bothaville – Grain producers once again demonstrated that unity and dialogue can be used as building blocks to reach consensus, even when tackling difficult and emotional topics such as expropriation without compensation. Grain SA, at its annual Congress, which concluded yesterday, successfully passed a motion on land reform after long discussions with both commercial and developing grain producers cumulated in a motion agreed upon by all parties. Delegates proved once again the importance of unity in agriculture and the necessity of dialogue as building blocks for the future of the sector.

Grain SA recognises the need for, and supports land reform and transformation in South Africa, and recognises the necessity of a thriving and prosperous grain sector to sustain and enhance food security to the benefit of all South Africans.

At its annual Congress, Grain SA passed a motion on land reform and reiterated it is completely possible to achieve both these imperatives within the confines of the current Constitution, which the organisation respects.

This motion on land reform emphasis that:

1. Grain SA recognises the need for, and supports land reform and transformation in South Africa.
2. Grain SA also recognises the need for a thriving and prosperous grain sector to sustain and enhance food security.
3. Grain SA must and will continue to advocate for and aspire to the handover of title deeds to the beneficiaries of Land Reform.
4. Grain SA will as a matter of urgency, seek out and engage with the ruling party and make every effort to reach consensus on all aspects of this matter.
5. Until such time as consensus is reached the current Constitution is upheld.

Grain SA will continue to advocate for and aspire to the handover of title deeds to the beneficiaries of land reform farms as the value of the land lies in the title to that land and without secure title there is no way to unlock the value of the land.

Expropriation without compensation not only makes the unlocking of the value of land impossible for new farmers, it also erodes the very foundation on which our current grain production is financed. Private property rights are recognised around the world and enshrined in our Constitution for very good reason.  Failure to uphold this will result in a catastrophic collapse of our economy.

Very little information is available on Government’s motion, which creates uncertainty, therefore it is important for Grain SA to continuously engage and debate with Government. Grain SA will continue to seek partners from both government and the private sector to enhance and expedite land reform in such a way that it not only achieves land reform but also achieves long term sustainability and food security for our nation.

Ends

Issued by:
Grain SA Communications

Further enquiries:
Jannie de Villiers, CEO, Grain SA
086 004 7246 | jannie@grainsa.co.za | www.grainsa.co.za