The contribution of agriculture and agro-processing to economic recovery

South Africa’s agriculture and agro-processing sectors have shown, despite many challenges experienced in recent years, an ability to confound the doomsayers. In the agricultural sector, the country’s exports in key agricultural commodities has been strong, with important signs of productivity growth. Recent years have also seen a growing number of new agro-processing businesses, particularly those in the food and beverage sectors. In a context where global competition for markets of agriculture-related primary and secondary products remains fierce, both within South Africa and beyond, key questions are being asked about what can be done to sustain an environment for growing agriculture and agro-processing linked investment and employment.