Agriculture

Agriculture’s contribution to the South African economy has waned in recent years, however the industry is well-placed to address some of the more fundamental needs of the country’s growth trajectory and offers significant potential in a number of key cash crops and export commodities, as well as niche opportunities in segments such as organic produce and wine. While the government looks to create thousands of jobs in agriculture and reverse a trend that has seen the number of farm workers decline significantly over the past few decades, the industry continues to face problems of competitiveness and efficiency, compounded by factors such as soil productivity, input costs, infrastructural impediments and the trade environment. This chapter contains an interview with Alex Thiel, CEO, Sappi Southern Africa.