Agriculture organisation TLU SA has expressed concern about political uncertainty amid Cabinet reshuffle moves that included appointing Willie Aucamp as Agriculture Minister in John Steenhuisen's stead.
While political change is part of any democracy, especially in the lead-up to municipal elections on November 4 and considering political developments within the Government of National Unity, TLU SA warns that the agriculture sector cannot afford the consequences of political uncertainty and Cabinet reshuffles.
"Agriculture does not operate according to political terms. The sector requires stability, policy continuity and decision-making that prioritises the long-term interests of food production. The challenges facing producers will not wait for political processes to be concluded," says TLU SA GM Bennie van Zyl.
According to TLU SA, the immediate priority should be the control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). The organisation deems it essential that a collective approach be adopted as soon as possible, making use of all available expertise and capacity in both the public and private sectors to bring the disease under control.
"Now is the time for constructive, forward-looking action plans. What agriculture needs is for markets to return to operating freely and efficiently as soon as possible, particularly with regard to FMD," Van Zyl adds.
