AgriSA proudly celebrates the agricultural industry growth over the past 30 years as highlighted in the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy’s (BFAP) publication Agriculture in South Africa in the Democratic Era: 1994-2024, released on 12 February 2025.
The report provides an in-depth analysis of South Africa’s agricultural landscape, presenting key insights into the macroeconomic and policy shifts that have influenced the sector. Some of the key highlights include:
- Doubling of agricultural output: The sector’s total output has more than doubled since 1994.
- Export growth: Successful expansion into international markets has mitigated the impact of domestic economic stagnation. South African producers of fresh produce benefit from our zero-tariff access to the UK and EU markets.
- Technological advancements: Significant yield improvements in key crops like maize and soybeans due to advances in genetics and farming practices. Maize yields have been on their way to quadrupling since the early 1990s, and the country has become self-sufficient in soybeans to the benefit of intensive livestock production.
- Increase in horticultural exports: Particularly strong performance in fruit and tree nut exports, benefiting from advantageous trade agreements with the EU and UK.
- Improved labour productivity: Despite the above-inflation increases over the past two decades, the number of agricultural workers has remained stable, yet agricultural production has increased substantially, which indicates an improvement in labour productivity.
- Policy implementation struggles: Ongoing challenges in realising effective land reform and integrating black farmers into commercial agriculture hinder sector-wide progress.
“Agri SA is committed to fostering sustainable growth. This comprehensive report not only highlights significant achievements but also calls for a renewed focus on policy implementation,” says Johann Kotzé,” Agri SA Chief Executive Officer.
Enquiries
Prof. Ferdi Meyer, BFAP +27 82 777 6892 ferdi@bfap.co.za
Johann Kotze, AgriSA CEO, +27 79 523 5767 jfk@agrisa.co.za
