New agricultural ministers meet with organised agriculture

Mr Senzeni Zokwana, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and his deputy, Mr Bheki Cele, met representatives from organised agriculture in Pretoria on 9 June as part of their introductory interactions with key stakeholders in the agriculture sector. The meeting marks the first series of engagements with stakeholders since the ministers took office.

Monday’s meeting was with the leadership of Agri SA. During the meeting, the parties agreed that close co-operation would be vital for the success of the sector. Agri SA Deputy President Mr Johannes Moller said at the meeting that the organisation has grown to represent commercial farmers in the country, big or small and regardless of race. Agri SA undertook to work with government and support the minister and deputy minister to ensure that South Africa has a vibrant and growing agricultural sector that contributes significantly to job creation, that farmers engage in sustainable production practices while striving for profitability and that farmers contribute to growing the rural economy and have a positive effect on food security. The minister and deputy minister emphasized the importance of ensuring that food security remains priority for all involved in agriculture.