Committee Chair Machene Semenya says they recently received feedback on the forthcoming season from stakeholders including Grain SA, Agri SA and The African Farmer’s Association of South Africa, Afasa, among others. 

Semenya says one of the issues raised was the possibility of State guarantees to enable producers to plant this year. She says the Committee has tasked the Department to raise the issue with Treasury:

“Most of them (farmers) said they were unable to access loans because they are overstressed in terms of the credit limits and the debt in which they already find themselves. They need Government to assist them.

“One of the things they have raised is the issue of the guarantee. We have noted this and gave DAFF homework to go and discuss with National Treasury to see how we can assist our farmers.”

She says the most important thing is to ensure food security for the country.

Semenya says stakeholders have assured the committee that even though farmers are stressed, they are ready for the new season.

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