Our Farmers: Champions at the Dinner Table
12 December 2016
This article was inspired by the song “Here’s to the Farmer” by Luke Bryan. The chorus goes like;
“Here’s to the farmer that plants the fields in the spring
that turn from green to that harvest honey
Hold one up for the banker downtown
that got him on his feet with handshake money
Here’s to the farmer’s wife
that loves him every night
Raising a son, raising a daughter
They gather ‘round the table, send it up to the Father
Somehow, they get closer when times get harder
Here’s to the farmer”
Generally, South Africa[1] is known for its highly diversified agricultural sector which includes the production and value added activities of all the major grains (except rice), oilseeds, deciduous and subtropical fruits, sugar, citrus, wine, most vegetables, cattle, dairy, pigs, sheep, broilers, ostriches and eggs. The sector consists of about 35,000 commercial farmers, more than 300,000 smallholder farmers and millions of rural subsistence farming households.
While South Africa is still battling one of the worst droughts ever recorded, it is ranked 30th largest agricultural producer in the world and is not only a net exporter, but also Africa’s most productive food country and biggest supplier of agricultural products. What this tells us is that while our farmers might not be the world’s food producers or a superpower in the world’s food market like those of USA, they are certainly a superpower in Africa’s food market and remain South Africa’s economic backbone.
However, it is rather unfortunate that agriculture in South Africa is often regarded as least important relative to other sector of the economy. Perhaps, there is justification for this—i.e. if one looks at its contribution to the country’s GDP which is currently lower (standing at less 3%) compared to the contribution by other sectors. Whether this justification is fair to the agricultural sector is debatable. The irony of this however is that, agriculture exhibits strong multiplier effect with other economic sectors—in fact it under-guards their success. Whether engage in manufacturing, mining, transport, construction or any other non-agricultural sector, you must sit every day at the dinner table and enjoy food that is produced by the dedicated hands of a farmer.
Food is an important and fundamental economic product, but it requires a collective effort of those who live and engage in agriculture every day—our farmers, whether big, medium, or small. It these farmers with the firm grip and the unshakable resolve that look challenges straight in the eye and shake of the disappointments and put energy instead to the potential of what next season can bring. Agriculture is an industry driven by farmers with the purpose and the commitment to produce food that is safe, nutritious and affordable to the local and international markets.
Beyond the farm gate there is a sophisticated, complex and connected chain of industries that support farmers in delivering to the needs of their fellow countrymen and of those beyond the borders of South Africa. Our farmers are driven by purpose, willingness and the commitment to excellence in the farms and through every link in the food chain. Agriculture is an industry made possible by our farmers whose hands bring food to the table for millions of people.
As our farmers continue being the best at producing safe and high-quality products, it is therefore crucial that they are allowed an environment that help them increase and better their productivity continuously. It is imperative that agricultural policies support farmers in their efforts to produce food reasonable— these policies must serve the interests of farmers. Equally important is to reduce regulations and unnecessary legislation that imposing compliance burdens on farmers so that they continue being champions at the dinner table of every household in South Africa.
By Hamlet Hlomendlini, Senior Economist- Agri SA, 12 December 2016
