‘Farmers will survive election politicking’ – Pakendorf

International and national concerns about food security are impacting on government’s attitude to farming and land policy, well-known political analyst Harald Pakendorf recently told 500 delegates at the annual Vinpro information day.
“There’s a growing realisation that government can no longer give away land on which nothing is subsequently produced,” he said. “The government is also starting to realise land should be given to individuals, rather than communities, and there are many white farmers who are keen to help emerging farmers in their vicinity.”
Pakendorf predicted government will treat farmers more generously in future, but cautions farmers need to counter their negative media image. “Farmers are portrayed as inhuman and un-Christian. If you’re not guilty of these accusations, you must take a zero-tolerance stance towards them,” he said. “Visit the people who are making the accusations. Write letters to newspapers and magazines in response.”
Pakendorf added the debate about agricultural land should be seen against a wider international backdrop. “We’re seeing countries investing in agricultural land. Arabian countries want to buy land from countries with good agricultural potential. The South-Korean company Daewoo has just signed a 99-year lease for half the arable land in Madagascar on which they want to produce food.”
Pakendorf predicted international increasing investment in agricultural, boosting its value. – Sonja Burger