The agricultural industry is one of immense labour and sacrifice, with farmers and their workers grinding away on their land to provide the respective communities with food and the necessary materials for clothing.
Yet, it is an industry which is not often given a lot of thought by those living in cities and towns. As large commercial farms face various obstacles in their daily operations, the family farm is one which faces even larger challenges in its quest for survival.
Looking at family farms, the South African Agriculture Institute (SAAI) is currently touring through various towns across South Africa. As part of the tour, SAAI stopped in Newcastle today, August 7.
Inviting local farmers to attend the event, Dr Theo de Jager, the chairman of SAAI and the President of the World Farmers Organisation and Francois Rossouw, the CEO of SAAI, took centre stage to address different facets of the family farm industry.
“We are here to discuss the new network, SAAI, which is an organisation which doesn’t represent agriculture as such, but rather the family farm,” says Dr de Jager.
Concentrating on the family farm industry, Dr Jager explains SAAI is extremely focused on technological advancements pertaining to the farming sector. “We are especially focused on the gathering of data, and we want to ensure farmers maintain control of their respective data.”
But why is the collection of data so important?
“I recently met with Bill Gates and he himself emphasised the importance of data, which can be deemed more valuable than gold in today’s society. Because of the value, which is found in data collection, it is important that farmers gather relevant data and maintain control of their data to flourish.”
Furthermore, Dr Jager adds it was recently discovered that very few family farms have medical aids and pension schemes in place. With this in mind, SAAI is currently working with medical and pension institutes to put the necessary structures in place for these farmers.
“It is important for people to realise, family farmers are not rich, nor are they poor. They are also not black or white. They are families.”
Because of the importance family and unity plays within these farms structures, Dr de Jager enthuses that SAAI is working closely with farmers and their employees. Thereby ensuring that both the farmer and farmworker can operate at full capacity.
Such is the importance of seeing a solid relationship between farmers and their employees, that SAAI is working closely with the National Employers Association of South Africa.
Dr de Jager adds in the quest to enhance farming in the country, the organisation is also working closely with King Goodwill Zwelithini through Afriforum.
This follows the Zulu King requesting that Afriforum assists in enhancing productivity in lands which fall under the Ingonyama Trust.
SAAI will assist in facilitating KZN farmers, both in commercial and communal farming, in developing the land.
Looking at developing family farmers, Dr Jager says one of the biggest development projects which SAAI is working on, is that of assisting black farmers.
“A lot of people think white farmers are battling and are nervous, but this is not the case. Black farmers are facing more challenges, and we would like to see how we can assist in linking them up with the necessary financing to succeed.
How are black farmers struggling?
Dr de Jager says black farmers are struggling in the sense that not all of them own their land, nor do they have the necessary capital, or have any form of advice coming their way.
“They are almost set up for failure and SAAI wants to change that. We want to help them succeed and become profitable. This is not just a policy decision, but rather a necessity.”
With all this, Dr de Jager says SAAI wants local farmers to understand that the organisation is working towards a future paradigm. One which sees family farmers taking their lands and running at a profit while overcoming their various challenges.
Francois Rossouw adds that the visit to Newcastle is also to spread awareness. “There is a misconception that SAAI is just another agricultural organisation. We are here to discuss issues which farmers are facing, explaining how we can help, while understanding what the needs of the local farmer is,” he explains.
With Dr de Jager and Rossouw determined to educate local farmers on the latest developments in the farming industry while addressing an array of issues, the event proved to be highly educational.
