Myths about "wealthy SA farmers" should be addressed

 "It is time that the broader South African population stop with unreasonable criticism of commercial farmers and start realising their important contributions. It is also necessary for the propaganda myths, that it is going very well with commercial farmers and the racist statement that ‘all white farmers are wealthy', to be quashed," Dr. Pieter Mulder, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said.

Dr. Mulder was the speaker at the Dorper Sheep Breeders Association's annual prize giving function at Hartbeespoort this weekend. The function was also attended by a visiting group of farmers from Brazil and farmers from Zimbabwe.

"The fact is that more than 50% of all South African commercial farmers have an annual turnover of less than R300 000. Such a farm works to a loss or has a very low profit margin. Only 5400 or approximately 12% of farmers have a turnover of more than R2 million annually. This is equal to the average business in the business sector," according to Mulder.

Dr. Mulder pointed out that the Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr. Patel said that 95% of all food which is produced in South Africa, is being produced by commercial farmers. "That makes them of extreme strategic importance when the future and the political stability of South Africa in the future are discussed," Dr. Mulder said.

He also pointed out that 40% of all cattle in South Africa are owned by small and subsistence farmers in South Africa. These farmers however only make a 5% contribution to meat production in South Africa. "With a little bit of effort and assistance this sector can be developed to make a larger contribution and at the same time help to alleviate poverty in the rural areas," Mulder said.

Statement issued by Dr. Pieter Mulder, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Freedom Front Plus leader, September 2 2012

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