WANDILE SIHLOBO: Solve the problems that keep SA farmers awake at night
Government’s agriculture & agro-processing master plan is a step in the right direction, but collaboration and trust are key
To understand the challenges farmers face it’s necessary to spend a considerable amount of time talking to them, to get a better feel of the markets. In such engagements this past week one theme that came up time and again is the need to diversify export markets to non-traditional regions, while retaining the sector’s foothold in key markets such as the EU.
Other issues that keep farmers awake at night are the need to improve logistics — road, rail and ports — the expansion of agricultural finance, particularly developmental finance or flexible finance products for new entrants, and strengthening trust between government and the industry. ..
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