By Johnathan Paoli
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the strong performance of the country’s agricultural sector, with exports reaching an impressive $3.36 billion in the first quarter, marking a 10% increase year-on-year.
Steenhuisen hailed this performance as a clear indication of the resilience and dedication of the country’s farming community and agribusinesses.
“This remarkable growth is a testament to the unwavering commitment and courageousness of our farmers and the broader agricultural value chain. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy and plays a pivotal role in supporting trade, employment, and rural livelihoods,” Steenhuisen said.
According to the Department, the growth in exports was driven largely by increased volumes of key products such as grapes, maize, apples, and wine, along with improved international commodity prices.
These favourable conditions have helped bolster South Africa’s agricultural trade balance and solidify the country’s standing in global markets.
In addition to export growth, the agricultural sector also registered a modest recovery in employment.
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey from Statistics South Africa revealed a 1% increase in jobs in primary agriculture during the first quarter, raising total sector employment to 930,000.
The growth was particularly noticeable in the field crops, game farming, and hunting subsectors.
While year-on-year employment figures remain 1% lower than 2024, Steenhuisen expressed optimism about the sector’s direction.
“This mild employment recovery, though small, is encouraging. It signals a slow but steady rebound from the difficulties of recent years. The Department remains committed to providing targeted support to those subsectors and regions still facing challenges,” he said.
As the country observes Youth Month in June, the minister used the opportunity to highlight the urgent need to attract young people into agriculture to ensure the sector’s future viability.
“The future of our agricultural sector and indeed our country depends on the active participation of our youth. We must ignite their passion for farming and agribusiness,” he said.
To this end, the minister outlined several key strategies to cultivate youth interest and involvement in agriculture including providing accessible and tailored financial assistance to young agripreneurs and integrating agricultural education into school curricula from an early age, complemented by vocational training and mentorship programmes.
The minister called for ensuring equitable access to land and establishing market linkages for young farmers; as well encouraging the adoption of agricultural technologies and innovation to modernise and streamline production.
Lastly he called for promoting diverse career paths in agriculture, including roles in agri-tech, logistics, research, food processing, and marketing.
“Agriculture must be seen not as a fallback option, but as a dynamic and rewarding sector full of opportunities. Our young people bring the energy, creativity, and adaptability we need to push this sector into a more inclusive and sustainable future,” the minister said.
Steenhuisen called on stakeholders across all sectors, government, private enterprise, educational institutions, and civil society, to support initiatives aimed at empowering young people in agriculture.
“We need collaborative and sustained efforts to create an enabling environment for youth to thrive in agriculture. This includes land access, financing, education, and mentorship. Let Youth Month be a springboard for meaningful and lasting interventions,” he urged.
To support the pipeline of future agricultural professionals, the department is offering bursaries for students pursuing qualifications in agriculture-related fields. Applications for the 2026 academic year are now open.
With positive trade figures, a cautiously improving employment outlook, and renewed focus on youth development, South Africa’s agricultural sector is positioning itself for a resilient and inclusive future.
Steenhuisen’s message was clear: continued growth will depend not only on existing farmers, but also on empowering the next generation to take up the mantle of innovation, sustainability, and food security.
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