Farmers discuss strategies for the future

FARMERS from 10 farming districts in KZN met with the Kwanalu leaders to address matters affecting the sector, including expropriation of land without compensation, safety and security issues and the introduction of the proposed new national minimum wage.

At the Zululand meeting held in Melmoth, Kwanalu President Andy Buchan and CEO Sandy la Marque highlighted policy issues and strategies currently under the spotlight.

Commitment to organised agriculture, farmers’ associations, tackling transformation and a focus on the younger generation of farmers as future leaders were strong underlying themes in all the meetings.

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‘It was encouraging to hear about initiatives people are implementing to drive change and to hear about how farmers look for solutions to the many challenges they face,’ La Marque said.

Members also voiced their support for Kwanalu’s strategic direction taken in response to the numerous challenges facing the agricultural sector in 2018 and beyond.

Farmers expressed their commitment to backing the union with the implementation of a new and more aggressive strategic plan as proposed by the national body, AgriSA, in response to recent developments on the issue of the future of land in the country.

Buchan called on farmers to work together to drive the process of organised agriculture.

Buchan also recognised the older generation of farmers for the strides they had made over the years.

‘We need young, level-headed, strategic thinkers to bring tactical focus to organised agriculture.

‘We ask you to stand up and to get involved on issues, such as labour and land, affecting you and your future,’ said Buchan.

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