South Africa’s agricultural sector could take a R39 billion export hit as a result of the coronavirus dampening demand from Asian countries, the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) has warned.
Though there has been a decline in public participation on the proposed amendment of the constitution to make it easier for the state to expropriate land without compensation, a majority of participants still oppose the amendment, according to an analysis by an NGO.
South Africa’s farming economy was not in good shape in 2019.
The outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in China is spreading across Asia and other regions of the world. The health implications of this virus on people also present risks for global value chains.
Despite unique challenges, including widespread dry spells during the past decade, South African agriculture is the lowest-cost producer of a standard Big Mac burger among 57 countries worldwide. Our productivity and competitiveness are a result of the continuous investment by food producers in the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the surplus production of affordable food for domestic consumption and export.
South Africa’s ruling party is forging ahead with plans to change the constitution to make it easier for the government to expropriate land without paying for it.
