19 / 92
Sustainable grain production
amidst land reform analysed
I
must admit to being somewhat sceptical when I saw the name
of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni
Zokwana, in the Congress programme and silently wondered
if he would be sending a representative in his place, as in
years past.
But, not only did minister Zokwana personally deliver his speech,
he also spent a day in our midst braving the tensions in a way that
earned him respect and gave us reason to hope that we have a
leader who will listen to us.
Minister Senzeni Zokwana
The minister empathised with producers facing the debilitating
drought: “The grain industry is hurting and I insisted to be here at
your Congress with you to share your pain.”
His ministry is concerned about the sustainability of producers
and he is aware that we need to establish new markets as dem-
onstrated when he signed the trade deal with China in December.
Grain SA recognised this contribution by awarding a certificate for
their support, assistance and promotion in creating export opportu-
nities for the South African grain and oilseed industry.
The minister confirmed that government is aware of the threat of
food insecurity and consequently eager to support producers to im-
prove production capacity. He said that government needs to guar-
antee producers a chance to compete globally.
Another issue is the need to look at the rising cost of inputs, like
fertiliser prices. He expressed concern that the drought will seriously
impact producers’ ability to produce next season and the propor-
tion of the disaster will reach far beyond the farming community.
He is of the opinion that government needs to look at provincial
governments’ declaring disaster areas so that producers can plant
next year. He undertook to ensure sustainable production.
Minister Zokwana did not shy away from the “hot issues” and his
message was: We need to talk to each other. Producers must come
up with counter proposals. The value of constructive dialogue
emerged as a strong theme and he asserted by saying: “We need
your help; we need to listen and understand other’s views so we can
take better decisions”.
The land ceiling issue must be debated and he’d be engaging the
Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform to ask how much
scientific research has been done on the 12 000 ha figure. On
the 50/50 farm worker partnerships, he advised producers to be pro-
active in seeking solutions. It is not government’s intention to stop
producers from producing; but the reality is that we need to ensure
that more people have access to land.
The development of black farmers or new era farmers is not
intended to replace existing white producers, but rather an effort
to create a bigger family of producers. He asked white commercial
producers to work together as “teachers of those who have been
less privileged”.
Minister Zokwana assured us that he is aware of the seriousness
of the lack of access to finance for new era farmers and said that
a breakthrough is close as partnerships are developed between
the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), the Jobs Fund
and his department.
17
April 2015
FEEDBACK
Congress
Special
JENNY MATHEWS,
SA Graan/Grain
contributor
“
I’m your ambassador,
not only the Minister of
Agriculture. I want to work
with your leaders.
– Senzeni Zokwana, Minister of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
“
1: Minister Senzeni Zokwana addressing Congress.
1