According to a media statement released by the department, the parties agreed that close co-operation would be vital for the success of the sector.
Representing Agri SA at the meeting were Johannes Möller, president; Phineas Gumede, deputy president; and Hannes van der Merwe, CEO.
Möller said that Agri SA was an organisation that had grown to represent commercial farmers in the country, big or small and regardless of race.
“Agri SA undertook to work with government and support the minister and deputy minister in making sure that South Africa has a vibrant and growing agricultural sector that contributes significantly to job creation.”
Möller said farmers should engage in sustainable production practices while striving for profitability, and contribute to growing the rural economy and impacting positively on food security.
Zokwana and Cele emphasised the importance of ensuring that food security remained the top priority for all involved in agriculture, as millions of South Africans still went to bed hungry.
An appeal was made to farmers to work with the department to ensure that the Integrated Food and Nutrition Security Policy was translated into workable plans to achieve its objectives.
