The South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) remains focused on the critical issues affecting farmers and rural communities ahead of the upcoming State of the Nation Address. As the voice of thousands of black sugarcane growers and agricultural producers, SAFDA believes this address presents an important opportunity for government to outline practical solutions that support local agriculture, strengthen food security, and advance transformation.
Below are SAFDA’s five key expectations ahead of the address:
1. Action on Rising Sugar Imports
SAFDA remains deeply concerned that a sustained increase in sugar imports, if not carefully managed, will accelerate the exit of many local sugarcane growers from production.
When farm incomes decline, growers are forced to scale back operations, default on obligations, or abandon production altogether. This not only threatens livelihoods in rural communities but also weakens the long-term sustainability of the local sugar industry.
Government intervention is needed to ensure fair trade conditions while protecting domestic production capacity and jobs.
2. Clear Disaster Support Strategy for Farmers
SAFDA expects government to outline a clear disaster support strategy that prioritises infrastructure-led recovery, including the repair of irrigation systems, rural roads, and critical water and energy services.
Recent climate-related events have shown how vulnerable farming communities are to damaged infrastructure and disrupted services. Disaster relief must be targeted and accessible to small-scale farmers to prevent the erosion of hard-won transformation gains.
A responsive and practical disaster support framework is essential for safeguarding agricultural productivity.
3. Relief from Rising Input Costs
SAFDA expects the President to acknowledge the growing pressure that rising input costs are placing on farmers across the agricultural sector, particularly small-scale and emerging producers.
Escalating prices for fertiliser, fuel, electricity, animal feed, agrochemicals, and transport continue to erode farm profitability, leaving many producers struggling to remain viable.
Without targeted interventions, many farmers may be unable to sustain production, threatening both jobs and food supply chains.
4. Effective Rollout of the Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine
The introduction of a locally available Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine marks a critical turning point in South Africa’s efforts to control a disease that has disrupted livestock production, trade, and rural livelihoods.
While the development of the vaccine itself is a significant achievement, its impact will ultimately depend on how quickly, efficiently, and equitably it is rolled out to farmers across the country.
SAFDA expects government to provide clear timelines and implementation plans to ensure livestock farmers fully benefit from this breakthrough.
5. Progress on the Land and Agrarian Agency
SAFDA expects the President to update the nation on progress made towards the establishment of the Land and Agrarian Agency, which was announced during the 2021 State of the Nation Address and reaffirmed in 2022.
The establishment of the Land and Agrarian Agency remains central to the success of land reform, particularly in ensuring post-settlement support, coordinated development programmes, and access to finance for beneficiaries.
SAFDA believes meaningful progress on this commitment is long overdue.
As South Africa prepares for the State of the Nation Address, SAFDA hopes to hear clear commitments that place agriculture, rural development, and transformation at the centre of national priorities.
The success of farmers is directly linked to food security, economic growth, and the sustainability of rural communities. Strong leadership and decisive action are needed now more than ever.