Government Medium-Term Budget Policy statement brings some relief to the agricultural sector.

These targeted allocations include:

• R183 million carried forward for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine procurement.
• R242 million in additional funding to rehabilitate flood-damaged agricultural infrastructure.
• R1.46 billion for rehabilitating flood-damaged national and provincial roads, which are also vital to agricultural logistics and market access.

While these allocations are positive, Johann Kotze, AgriSA Chief Executive Officer emphasises that effective implementation is critical. FMD remains a major threat to livestock production and export markets, requiring a sustained, properly funded vaccination and biosecurity programme rather than reliance on emergency interventions.

Similarly, infrastructure investment must extend beyond disaster recovery. Reliable roads, water systems and logistics networks are essential to lowering production costs, attracting investment and expanding agricultural exports.

AgriSA remains concerned about the need for predictable and adequate agricultural development finance, including strengthening the Land Bank, and dedicated investment in climate resilience and El Niño preparedness.

“The MTBPS provides welcome short-term relief, but agriculture’s long-term contribution to economic growth, employment and food security depends on sustained investment in the systems that support production.”

Government has a direct interest in agricultural growth. Since 2012, agriculture has grown by an average of 3% annually, compared to 1% for the broader economy. Sustaining this growth is a shared priority, with targeted investment in biosecurity, infrastructure, and agricultural finance essential to unlocking further investment, jobs, and exports.