Some Gauteng farmers call for fairer global play in agriculture sector
While economists say the overall exposure of South African agriculture to the us market is limited, the impact of higher U.S. tariffs could still hit hard.
Picture: © Kostic Dusan/123rf.com
JOHANNESBURG - Some Gauteng farmers say South Africa should play hardball with the other G20 member states, calling for fairer global play in agriculture.
Since the start of its presidency in December, South Africa has used the G20 platform to champion policies and investments that enhance food security and build climate resilience.
But there are still concerns that disruptions to the global trade system could put some developing countries on the back foot.
While economists say the overall exposure of South African agriculture to the US market is limited, the impact of higher US tariffs could still hit hard.
Pretoria-based poultry farmer and co-owner of Phetogo Farming Enterprise, Lebo Mokwene, said that she was worried that the trade deal between SA and the US could see the return of large-scale American dumping in the local market.
"For me, that is the biggest thing is that you can't just go and take the chicken they are using. After G20, we need to see and understand the trade relations."
Vegetable farmer in Soshanguve, Dorah Mathebe, said that G20 needed to be more than a talk shop.
"If they can try at least every year, maybe 80% of what they are discussing at G20 to be able to come in place and then we see if this is going to work or not."