South Africa

Despite the South African government acquiring 432 038ha of land in the Free State under various land reform redistribution programmes since 1994, at a cost of R1 881 billion to the tax payer, this land was not being used for commercial food production. This was according to Dr Roy Jankielsohn, the DA’s caucus leader in the Free State.

Logistics and problems emerged as the biggest issues that farmer organisations want addressed at this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled for 8 February.

As the 2024 general election looms closer, and with a voter registration weekend scheduled for 3 and 4 February, the agriculture sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture, believing that the outcome of this year's election holds significant implications for the industry.

Fifteen months after Tongaat Hulett went into financial distress, its creditors have finally approved a business rescue plan.

The rate at which the world is changing seems to grow faster each year. This is particularly true for the agriculture sector, where technology, consumer demands and research culminate in a whole new playing field. What lies in store for agriculture this year? Lindi Botha looks at the top five trends that will influence the sector this year.

A Western Cape company recently announced that it had made a deal worth R300 million per year to supply chicken feet to China. The deal was apparently forged through a collaboration with Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

South African wine exports have continued its downward trend in volume, declining by 17% in 2023 to 306 million litres, according to a statement by Wines of South Africa (WOSA).

The most devasting outbreak of avian influenza in recent years has finally seen a decline in infections and the price of poultry is already dropping. However, South African farmers are still awaiting the approval of the avian influenza vaccine.

While the matric class of 2023 has much to celebrate in the increased pass rate, the agriculture sector has more reason for optimism with the increase in interest in agricultural subjects.

The devastating flooding across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has not spared farmers, who are counting the losses of their crops, livestock and infrastructure.

The number of farm units sold in South Africa remained relatively stable at roughly 4 270 in 2023 compared with 2022, but is expected to increase in 2024 as farmers take advantage of the impact of good rains in the summer rainfall area on production, according to Johann Bornman, chairperson of Agri Development Solutions.

Government has welcomed a decision by the People’s Republic of China to substantially reduce tariff rates on imports of South African rooibos.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN has declared 2024, International Year of Camelids, to shed light on the crucial role camelids play in the livelihoods of millions of households. The focus is particularly on indigenous people and local communities.

South Africa’s growing avocado crop received a boost late last year when Japan lifted its ban on Hass avocados from this country.

Although stock theft remained rife in the Free State over the 2023 Christmas season, without the involvement and attentiveness of farming and local communities the situation would have been much worse.

The festive season in Mpumalanga was characterised by severe weather that resulted in floods, strong winds and hail. The province received uncharacteristically high amounts of rainfall.

Agritourism is growing in popularity in South Africa, and this past December saw an influx of holiday goers seeking adventures on farms.

The largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken reached an important landmark when approval was granted by the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment to move 158 birds to a new home in the Eastern Cape.

The recent decline in fuel prices will benefit South African farmers and agribusinesses. The rising cost of fuel during 2023 dealt a major blow to the agriculture sector, not only in terms of transport, but also due to the inordinate bouts of load-shedding requiring farmers to use fuel to power their generators.

The new year’s budget blues are set to increase for poultry consumers as prices remain high after last year’s devastating bird flu outbreak in South Africa.