In recent decades, donors have poured billions of dollars into boosting agricultural production in Southern Africa.

This is not a good year for South Africa’s agricultural sector.

We remarked that South Africa could have the biggest wheat harvest in a decade in our note on 27 August 2019.

Statistics South Africa released second-quarter figures in September which showed seasonally adjusted gross value added in the agricultural sector fell by 4.2% quarter on quarter on an annualised basis, after a 16.8% decline in the first quarter. Could this be the new normal?

The Agbiz/Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) improved marginally to 46 points during the third quarter of the year, compared with 44 points in the second quarter.

Farming is proving to be one of the more challenging vocations in SA because of the ever-changing risk environment. Not only must farmers monitor economic conditions, changing consumer preferences and social dynamics, but the weather is proving to be the most unpredictable aspect of all.

 I noted that SA farmers have had one of the toughest years because of the combined effects of drought and animal disease that affected production and trade. But this is only one side of the story.

The dry and warm weather conditions experienced in the Western Cape since the end of August 2019 have taken a tall on winter crops and the impact is evident at a national level given the significance of the province.

On September 25 and 26 I visited the Eastern Cape on the invitation of The Co-op – an agribusiness based In Humansdorp.

• The policy agenda for growing South Africa’s agricultural sector has been clear as far back as 2012 when the National Development Plan (NDP) was released.

• Operationalizing existing South Africa agriculture policy key for growth and job creation
  

  South Africa’s agricultural policy growth path has been clear as far back as 2012 when the National Development Plan (NDP) sketched higher growth potential and labour-intensive sub-sectors that could create jobs and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP.

• Amid the grim news, South Africa agriculture bears fruit-
  

  It has been 25 years since the dawn of democracy and the general mood in the country is pessimistic owing to poor economic fortunes and elevated joblessness, among other long-standing challenges.

• Large global grains supplies will help cushion Southern and East Africa
  

  Although the past few months have been a struggle to secure grain supplies for Southern and East Africa, other parts of the world are in better shape and could help offset the shortfall.

• Is it true that South Africa youth doesn’t like farming because it’s not sexy?
  

  It has become fashionable in conferences to say “let’s make agriculture sexy in order to attract the youth”. 

• Global grains supplies will help cushion Southern and East Africa
  

  Although the past few months have been a struggle to secure grain supplies for Southern and East Africa, other parts of the world are in better shape and could help offset the shortfall.

• Food insecurity could be reduced in South Africa if public and private sectors work together
  

  As we commemorate World Food Day on 16 October 2019 in honour of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 1945, we should take a moment to reflect on South Africa’s standing on the global food security ladder.

• Brexit risks in South Africa agriculture now minimal, but not eliminated
  

  The news cycle has been mainly centred around Brexit this past week as talks between the United Kingdom and European Union culminated in a Brexit deal.

• Brexit risks to South Africa’s agriculture are now minimal, but not eliminated
  

  The news cycle has been mainly centred around Brexit this past week as talks between the United Kingdom and European Union culminated into a Brexit-deal.

• Growing demand for natural honey from happy bees
  

  The demand for certified organic honey is rising rapidly worldwide and supply cannot keep up with demand.

• Land, water and agriculture in South Africa
  

  I spent my day in Free State where I participated in the South African Stud Book and Animal Improvement Association AGM.