State of the Nation Address: Agriculture a political football

The shameful events that took place during the opening ceremony in Parliament were unfortunately also indicative of the mounting frustration experienced by an increasing number of South Africans over what is happening in government circles and with service delivery.

It was also an opportunity missed to inspire South Africans and investors about our countries' prospects. President Zuma's references to agriculture and agricultural land in the State of the Nation Address that followed serve as a further example of utterances that undermine confidence and have a detrimental impact on the economy.

While Minister Nkwinti had welcomed organised agriculture's inputs on land reform last year and had envisaged a time frame for interaction in this regard, President Zuma's announcement in his address deviated radically from this.

This creates doubt and concern within agriculture as to whether the government is serious about consultation around land reform. It creates the impression that populist statements in this case weigh heavier with the government than sustained food production and economic development. When decisions of this nature are taken, it also places a question mark over whether the objectives and points of departure of the National Development Plan are still relevant.

Agri SA will seek urgent clarification from government regarding the interpretation of the relevant proposals, also how they envisage the implementation thereof bearing in mind limited funding and capacity.

Although Agri SA will also consider steps to test the legality of the proposals, which at face value could be unconstitutional, the organisation will continue to hold discussions with the government in this regard, including with inputs to Minister Nkwinti's interdepartmental task team which, among other things, attends to the implementation of chapter 6 of the National Development Plan (that deals with agriculture and rural development).

Statement issued by Mr Johannes Möller, President Agri SA, February 13 2015

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