Government wants to unleash agriculture revolution, says Cyril Ramaphosa
President says 30-year leases have been signed with 900 farmers so they can access funding for development
The government has finalised 30-year leases with 900 farmers to enable them to mobilise funding for agricultural development, President Cyril Ramaphosa says. “These measures are part of the broader effort to unleash an agricultural revolution in SA. The epicentre of this revolution will be in the rural areas of our country,” Ramaphosa said on Tuesday in his address to officially open the National House of Traditional Leaders. “Our first task is to accelerate inclusive economic growth and create jobs. The most direct way out of poverty for our people is through employment and other productive economic activity, such as small business ownership and farming,” he said. The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies says more than 70% of commercial farms in SA are owned by white farmers. There are about 39,000 white commercial farmers and 5,300 black farmers, according to the African Farmers Association of SA. In many instances, black farmers struggle to get access to markets, fina...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.