Key role players in agriculture must pull together to drive growth and development

Agriculture can contribute tremendously to growth and development in South Africa but policymakers and key role players must “pull together” to improve access for new entrants, former Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene told a Standard Bank Agribusiness event last Wednesday.

“We need a more holistic approach that doesn’t just look at agriculture but also at rural development. Policies – whether sectoral or broad – should not put obstacles in the way of driving business in rural areas, which is an environment conducive to diversification”, he said.

High levels of concentration in the value chain and access to infrastructure are among key challenges facing the sector, according to the National Development Plan (NDP). Finance is also seen as a critical challenge for new and black-owned businesses.

“Much needs to be done in terms of implementing existing policies if agriculture is to play the role the NDP envisions for it”, said Nene. To read more, click HERE.