Grain SA emphasised producer profitability, long-term competitiveness, and practical market solutions must remain central to the future of agriculture.

Under the 2026 theme Resilience through Innovation, discussions throughout the day reflected a clear message from the sector: South African Agriculture is operating under severe pressure, but the industry is not standing still.

The issue of producer profitability took centre stage during a high-level panel discussion titled To Farm Or Not To Farm: The Economic Reality, facilitated by Theo Vorster and featuring SA Grain chairpersons Richard Krige, Hansie Viljoen, Jaco Minnaar, and Japie Grobler.

‘Resilience in agriculture cannot rely on optimism alone’

The conversation unpacked the mounting economic pressure facing grain producers, including raising input costs, tightening margins, market volatility and the growing challenge of maintaining long-term farming viability.

Panellists agreed while agriculture remains a deep meaningful and strategic sector, the economic environment facing producers has become increasingly difficult.

The session strongly reinforces Grain SA’s broader NAMPO message that resilience in agriculture cannot rely on optimism alone – it must be supported by competitiveness, innovation, practical policy solutions, and sustainable producer economics.

Throughout the day, Grain SA highlighted the urgent need to improve market access and move surplus grain more efficiently through export channels and value-chain development.

Speaking during Grain SA’s strategic overview session, Grain SA CEO Dr Tobias Doyer emphasised South African agriculture must increasingly position itself as a globally competitive, export-driven grain economy while simultaneously investing in long-term efficiency and productivity gains.

South African grain producers compete directly with major international production regions, and that competitiveness can no longer rely solely on protection mechanisms, he said.

Continued engagement on key policy matters

Grain SA reiterated its continued engagement on key policy and regulatory matters affecting producers, including diesel rebate administration, logistics and port efficiency, agricultural remedy regulation under Act 36, market transparency and price formation.

Export access, trade barriers, and long-term investment certainty were also key elements of the session.

“NAMPO is where agriculture comes together to confront difficult realities, share practical solutions, and build confidence in the future of South African agriculture,” Krige concluded.

OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder sm

• Share your agriculture news: agri@ofm.co.za.