Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt, Agri North West president, started off his welcome address at the Congress with an appeal for unity. “We need to lose our preconceived ideas, fears, hatred and differences and recognise the shared challenges that we have to overcome together.”, he said.
Political analyst Prof Andrè Duvenhage was also there to give a thorough analysis of the South African political climate and the effect that it has on agriculture. In his address he stated that The agricultural industry will be well advised to cooperate in creating a new macro-economic structure for SA. This calls for strong leadership. This calls for clear policies and a decisive move from government. He added that the time has come for agriculture in South Africa to consolidate and mobilise support on all possible levels and not continue with the political divides of the 80s.
These statements were supported by Dan Kriek, AgriSA President when he took to the podium. He stressed the importance of unity among farmers and called for them to remain steadfast in ensuring that there are no divisions. He said that at this point in time, farmers need to do whatever it takes to keep their productions secure. While he acknowledged that uncertainty about land expropriation are still prevalent, he also said that we must remember that South Africa is still a constitutional democracy and the constitution has not been yet changed.
Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at Agbiz gave a presentation and shared his perspective with focus on meaningful increase in productivity and competitiveness at farm level to promote sustainability. He also added an analysis of the current agricultural economic trends, policies and opportunities.
Willem De Chavvones Vrugt was re-elected as AgriNW president.