As another month draws to a close and the winter solstice was last Saturday, today we celebrate our Agricultural Industry, has grown through thick and thin and is the backbone of the Western Cape economy.
Exporters Western Cape was privileged to host Johann Kotze, CEO of AgriSA on Wednesday at our June function, who provided us with some important statistics relative to the industry.
A snapshot of the industry:
• 8% GDP Growth from 1994
• Employs 945000 people (10% of SA’s employment]
• Total output more than doubled since 1994
• Growth rate has been well above rest of the economy for the past 20 years
• In 2024, between 13.6 and 15.4% of the South African economy is linked to agriculture
• Horticulture : Hectare planted 201000 ha to 385000 ha
• Field Crops : Summer crops expanded by 200000 ha (2.4%) production nearly doubled (95%)
• Average maize & soybean yields have increase by 30% over the past decade
• Winter crops, total area planted declined by 44%, yet production increased by 12%
This is from an industry that receives no Government subsidy whatsoever!!!!
Exports :
• Africa : 45% ; Asia 19%, EU 23% , UK 7%, USA 6% ; other 3%
This could all change should the proposed Merchant Shipping Bill be implemented, which was highlighted by Annelize Crosby, Head of Intelligenc at Agbiz, which was highlighted at Wednsday’s function.
This is why EWC is taking this up with highest authority to ensure open and transparency going forward – we have much to lose!
Watch out for more on the above in the coming weeks!
Stay warm! stay well!
