Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) in his first Budget Vote Speech at the National Assembly, emphasising its role in fostering inclusive growth in South Africa’s agricultural sector. Read more…
Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni, CEO of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), explores the sixth administration’s successes in agriculture and outlines key strategies for inclusive growth. He advises the new agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen, to prioritise accelerating AAMP implementation for continuity and sector stability.
Agriculture is an indispensable sector of the African economy, and it is vital for the livelihoods of many African people, particularly those in rural areas.
Farmers and farmworkers our greatest asset - John Steenhuisen
Agriculture minister also says we must empower new entrant farmers to become self-sustainable and productive as quickly as possible.
Kontsiwe sets bold vision to transform EC agriculture
Nonceba Kontsiwe, MEC for rural development and agrarian reform, outlined an ambitious policy agenda aimed at transforming agriculture and rural development in the Eastern Cape for the 2024-25 financial year.
There is robust employment in South African agriculture, and more growth is possible
The Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan offers a framework to grow the agriculture and agro-processing sector, build competitiveness, attract more investment, improve inclusion, and create jobs.
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Fresh produce markets suffer under barriers to entry
Agropreneur and agricultural economist Mahlogedi Thindisa argues that South Africa’s fresh produce value chain is hindered by barriers to entry, production constraints, and a burdensome regulatory framework.
The Agriculture Budget Vote Speech presented a positive message for the sector
The national government departments, among other things, are primary policy-making bodies. Thus, it is always wise to listen to the leadership of each department when they make significant speeches. July 16 was one such day where the political leadership of the Department of Agriculture, Minister John Steenhuisen, tabled his Budget Vote Speech.
New Agriculture Agro-processing Masterplan to transform the sector
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza has told a mini-plenary of the National Assembly that the department has signed a landmark Agriculture Agro-processing Masterplan with social partners. Read more…
Political threats to implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan
The importance of the agriculture sector in South Africa, both economically and societally – in terms of engendering a more egalitarian society, cannot be over-emphasised and has been argued almost ad nauseam. Read more…
Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan: For food security, we need action on climate change
The dire consequences of climate change are revealing themselves every day across the world. The 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sixth assessment report has reinforced that, unless urgent action is taken, our collective futures are under threat. Read more…
Agriculture master plan is ‘step in the right direction’
A step in the right direction for the sector to rebuild its competitiveness, recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensure food security, achieve inclusive growth and create sustainable, decent jobs. Read more…
Implementation of AAMP is like cooking a cuisine that needs low heat over prolonged period
The implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan is like cooking a cuisine that needs low heat over a prolonged period of time – Umngqusho like as high heat messes the dish. Read more…
What does the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan hope to achieve?
Wandile Sihlobo from the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA considers the outlook for implementing the plan and the prospects for the agri sector in the new political dispensation. Read more…
John Steenhuisen outlines priorities for SA agriculture
‘The broader overarching vision for the department is to become the epicentre of job creation in the country, but also to create a conducive environment for producers,’ says the Minister of Agriculture.
Agriculture minister shares vision and ‘open door’ approach
Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen reveals his plans for the sector, emphasising its role in economic growth and job creation, and his commitment to improving agricultural colleges, exploring new markets, and addressing rural safety.
Agricultural Agro-processing Master Plan with chief economist Sifiso Ntombela
What’s new: Agricultural Agro-Processing Master Plan with chief Economist Sifiso Ntombela
