The prolonged drought has exacted a toll with a negative impact on the yields of major summer crops this year. According to Statistics SA, the production of maize, soybeans and sunflower seeds is expected to be down 13%, 16% and 29% respectively from last year.

The African continent is full of resources and opportunities, and the economic landscape in Southern Africa is showing great promise. New industries are emerging, existing ones are growing stronger and entrepreneurship is flourishing. What does this mean for the produce industry? How can the supply chain take advantage of the benefits associated with such growth?

Agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal is growing at around 12 percent per annum, driven by diversification, but there are risks to the sector posed by land expropriation, climate change and cheaper imports, First National Bank said.

by Ian van Niekerk (MD at Oakland) and Dawie Maree (FNB’s Head of Agriculture Information & Marketing)