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I wish to express my appreciation to you for inviting public input to be considered for purposes of your State of the Nation Address (SONA). Considering the current major economic and social challenges government and its social partners are confronted with in their endeavours to stabilise and improve the capacity the economic system and delivery agencies to the meet reasonable expectations of our diverse population, the guidance you will give in your address is of immense importance to all observers, both domestically and internationally.

All of us are cognisant of the volatile and uncertain global economic environment and the market's possible reaction to policy choices. This compounds the challenge of finding the correct balance between meeting essential needs over the short term and that of fostering confidence in the long term growth potential of the economy. We are also well aware of the fiscal constraints within which the budget for 2015/2016 must give effect to policy choices. This contributes to a great interest in and expectancy about the policy positions to be pursued by the ruling party during this year, but also over the medium term. As the major representative organisation for agriculture in South Africa, we share this expectancy and wishes to use this opportunity to convey some observations and views for your consideration.

Co-operation and partnerships

As many others, Agri SA provided input during the consultation process followed by the National Planning Commission with the drafting of The National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP correctly identified the shared challenges of our country and provides a robust framework within which government and civil society should consistently and collectively pursue the vision statement for South Africa, as articulated in the plan. Your affirmation of government's continued adherence to NDP and practical steps towards the implementation thereof, will be welcomed.

Agri SA wishes to pledge its support for public-private partnerships where we and/or our affiliates can enhance service delivery to the economic and social benefit of targeted communities. We believe and have proof that we and our affiliates can cost-effectively implement highly successful farmer development programmes, do skills  training (including entrepreneurial development of rural women) and implement related programmes which all contribute towards rural development and social upliftment.

We, therefore, welcomed the opportunity to interact, in the recent past, with minister Nkwinti's Interdepartmental Task Team which is advising him on implementation proposals with regards to Presidential Outcome 7 and chapter 6 of the NDP. From a business perspective, the uncertainty around land reform issues should be resolved as soon as possible with due consideration of economic realities which are fundamental to trust and confidence. In this regard the enhancing of private ownership,  security  of tenure and allowing for ample growth opportunities for farm enterprises should all be recognised as essential elements of an acceptable outcome of a future  land dispensation.

We also value the formal co-operation we have with various other ministers with regards to issues such as the implementation of the Rural Safety Strategy (Police), the National Population Registration Campaign (Home Affairs), the Water Sector Leadership Group (Water and Sanitation) and Advocates for Social Cohesion (Arts and Culture).

Agri SA is also a participant in the high level interaction between business and government with regards to the electricity crisis. Continued close cooperation with planning and execution as well as optimising opportunities for private sector contributions to alleviate power supply constraints, are essential elements of a strategy for managing this crisis.

As a member of BUSA we also endeavour to constructively engage in NEDLAC or directly with government on a multitude of policies which effects the economic and social wellbeing of the citizens of our country. High on these agendas  are  labour market matters and more specifically what is required to achieve labour market stability and job creation. These issues are of direct relevance to agriculture and if wrongly directed, will jeopardise the employment creation targets as envisaged in the NDP.

We have and will continue to participate in the Vulnerable Workers' Forum to seek and implement holistic solutions for labour market challenges as experienced in 2012/2013 strike in the Western Cape, which should result in a social compact and find application on a national basis. We appreciate the continued involvement and leadership of the Deputy President in this regard.

Cooperation on the basis of mutual trust

Agri SA recently conducted an independent perception survey amongst farmers about a number of issues. The sample was largely representative of established commercial farmers. What is positive is that 82% was satisfied with farming as a career with a high level (79%) commitment to participate in local community activities.

What is conflictual with the aforementioned is that 63% of them have a negative view on farming as a future, attributable to a perceived a lack of appreciation and understanding by the public at large (87%) and a strong view that government is not supportive (94%) and even adversarial (74%) towards agriculture. They, nevertheless, acknowledge the positive interaction between Agri SA and government on a number of contentious issues, with 92% of them viewing the NDP as the platform on which there should be a meeting of minds.

Apart from labour matters, their biggest concerns (issues prioritised) are on the areas of land reform, crime/rural safety, high input cost, lack of support at all government levels, economic uncertainty, low product prices, infrastructure deficiencies and water quality.

These results are indicative of perceptions which negatively impact on trust and confidence and which require remedial action if we want to accelerate the sector's growth and in the process enhance food security and job creation. It does, however, also indicate that farmers want to co-operate and contribute towards achieving national objectives. Recognition and appropriate support can be catalysts for unlocking massive potential to the benefit of rural South Africa.

There is an observable growing concern amongst various segments of the public about the utilisation of public money in general and efficiency of its application in particular. We once again wish to call on you to be outspoken on corruption and the need for performance evaluation across government and related institutions.

We wish you well

Allow us to reiterate our appreciation for this opportunity to participate in your consideration of the content of the State of the Nation Address. We wish you well and look forward to your public address in this regard.

Kind regards

JD MÖLLER PRESIDENT

Issued by Agri SA