This emerged from the Nampo Nation in Conversation discussion recently in which Prof Willie Esterhuizen of Stellenbosch University and leading farmers, BP Greyling from Ermelo, Attie Scholtz from Douglas, Thabo van Zyl from Wesselsbron and Tony de Costa from Nigel took part.
The impact of food security and a lack of food should not be taken lightly. These factors could very well mean the difference between war and peace. This was according to Esterhuizen, who is also a member of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. “Why do you think China is clamouring to find a foothold in Africa? And the Brazilians? It is because they fully realise the far reaching effects of food security and the possible lack thereof,” he said.
“In SA we will have to feed at least 15 million more South Africans by 2025. This represents an increase of at least 1,5 million tons of maize per year. This can only be achieved through improved use of technology, genetic development and economies of scale,” Greyling, Agricultural Writers’ SA’s 2011 Farmer of the Year, said.
Increased producer participation in the agri-value chain was important, but should not impact negatively on the actual production side of a farming enterprise. “The objective for diversification must always be to spread the risk of business and to add value to the product produced on the farm. Cross subsidies must be avoided at all cost,” said Van Zyl.
