Inviting ANC president Jacob Zuma to address Grain SA’s annual congress was part of the organisation’s repositioning process, according to Grain SA general manager Dr Kobus Laubscher. He said Grain SA is increasingly being considered a vital part of agriculture and the economy and this was illustrated by Zuma’s eagerness to participate.
“Our engagement with Zuma is the first of our in-depth negotiations with role players in South Africa,” explained Dr Laubscher. “The profitable production of affordable food is our non-negotiable reason for existence.” He said Zuma agreed to this in principle, but farmers shouldn’t think that government and agriculture will now agree on details. “But we’ll fight for better conditions, with government taking up its responsibility as a strategic partner.” – Annelie Coleman
