WEEKEND-VIEWPOINT- From Stage to Field: Can South Africa Turn Agri Promises Into Performance?

South Africa's agricultural sector does not lack ideas, conferences or development plans.

What it needs is practical action, better coordination and the willingness to turn promises into measurable results. This was the central message emerging from two major agricultural gatherings in Gauteng over the past week.

Although the discussions covered different parts of the industry, both events highlighted the same challenge: farmers cannot succeed through land allocation, investment announcements and policy documents alone. They need the right support, delivered at the right time, to build sustainable and profitable farming businesses.

Land is only the beginning

In Boksburg, a transformation congress brought together government representatives, commercial farmers and investors to discuss the future of emerging farmers. The discussions emphasised that access to land must be accompanied by essential infrastructure, including reliable water supplies, electricity, fencing and properly prepared land.

Finance is equally important. Farming follows seasonal production cycles, and delayed funding can mean missed planting opportunities, lower production and lost income. Support must therefore be available when farmers need it, rather than after the opportunity has passed.

Emerging, smallholder and subsistence farmers also require practical training, business management skills and access to reliable markets. Farming must be treated as a business, with proper planning, financial discipline and a clear understanding of production costs and potential returns.

Another priority is helping farmers move beyond selling raw products. Agro-processing, packaging, storage and exporting can create additional income and employment while allowing farmers to capture more value from their production.

Investors, meanwhile, need well-prepared projects with realistic business plans and clear partnership agreements. The challenge is not simply finding money, but developing agricultural enterprises that are capable of attracting investment and delivering sustainable returns.

These ambitions are becoming more difficult as farmers face rising costs for fertiliser, fuel, pesticides, herbicides, seed, electricity and finance. Farmers carry considerable production risks, from weather and disease to fluctuating commodity prices, while other parts of the value chain may be better positioned to manage their exposure.

Land reform must be measured by its productive impact

Red meat industry faces a critical test

Similar concerns emerged on the first day of the Agri X Fusion Red Meat Value Chain Collaboration Summit, where discussions focused on competitiveness, disease control, exports and the future of the livestock industry.

Foot-and-mouth disease remains a serious concern, with more than R97 billion in livestock value reportedly at risk and beef exports down 26% over a year. These figures underline the importance of effective biosecurity, early disease detection, coordinated responses and clear accountability.

The industry needs more than additional strategies. It needs a coordinated command structure, clearly defined responsibilities and effective implementation. Farmers must understand what is expected of them, while authorities must ensure that disease-control measures are practical and consistently applied.

Export opportunities were another major issue. A more unified export-promotion approach, improved beef grading and reliable traceability could help strengthen South Africa's position in international markets. Traceability means being able to track livestock and meat through the value chain, providing buyers with greater confidence in the origin and integrity of products.

Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important to investors and lenders. Reliable information about farming practices, environmental risks and business performance can help demonstrate where investment is needed and whether an enterprise is financially sustainable.

Research must also reach farmers more effectively. New technologies and scientific developments have limited value if they remain in research institutions rather than being translated into practical solutions on farms. Intellectual property licensing and available research and development tax incentives could help encourage innovation and commercial investment.

Small-scale producers must form part of this progress. The summit highlighted that 41% of cattle and 86% of goats are in small-scale hands, underlining the importance of including these farmers in disease-control programmes, traceability systems and market development.

The real work starts now

Both gatherings delivered a strong message: South African agriculture needs cooperation between government, commercial farmers, emerging producers, investors, researchers and industry organisations.

However, conferences should be judged not by the strength of their speeches but by what changes afterwards.

Can funding reach farmers before production opportunities are lost? Can disease-control systems protect livestock and restore export confidence? Can emerging farmers gain access to markets, skills and infrastructure? Can research and investment translate into more competitive agricultural businesses?

South Africa's agricultural future will depend on execution, not promises. Farmers need practical support, accountable leadership and decisions that produce measurable results on the ground. The time has come to move from the conference stage to the field.