Agriculture organisation TLU SA has expressed concern about political uncertainty amid Cabinet reshuffle moves that included appointing Willie Aucamp as Agriculture Minister in John Steenhuisen's stead.

While political change is part of any democracy, especially in the lead-up to municipal elections on November 4 and considering political developments within the Government of National Unity, TLU SA warns that the agriculture sector cannot afford the consequences of political uncertainty and Cabinet reshuffles.

"Agriculture does not operate according to political terms. The sector requires stability, policy continuity and decision-making that prioritises the long-term interests of food production. The challenges facing producers will not wait for political processes to be concluded," says TLU SA GM Bennie van Zyl.

According to TLU SA, the immediate priority should be the control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). The organisation deems it essential that a collective approach be adopted as soon as possible, making use of all available expertise and capacity in both the public and private sectors to bring the disease under control.

"Now is the time for constructive, forward-looking action plans. What agriculture needs is for markets to return to operating freely and efficiently as soon as possible, particularly with regard to FMD," Van Zyl adds.

He emphasises that managing agriculture requires specialised expertise.

"Agriculture is the management of biological processes to achieve profitability. At the same time, it is an economic process that is ultimately responsible for the strategically essential supply of food. The greatest stabilising factor in any country is that there is food on people's tables. Political objectives should therefore never interfere with the decisions required to protect and expand food production," Van Zyl notes.

He explains that the responsibilities of the Minister of Agriculture extend far beyond the management of FMD alone. Issues such as input costs, biosecurity, property rights, rural safety, market access, infrastructure and policy certainty all require equal attention.

"Minister Aucamp will need to gain a thorough understanding of the increasing pressure that input costs place on producers. This is a challenge that cannot be addressed by government alone. Organised agriculture should be regarded as a partner in identifying practical solutions that strengthen the sustainability of food production."

TLU SA adds that one of Aucamp's greatest challenges will be to further develop the culture and approach within the Department of Agriculture. "The sector needs a department that farmers experience as supportive rather than as part of the problem," Van Zyl says.

The organisation expresses gratitude to Steenhuisen for his willingness to engage with organised agriculture during a particularly challenging period for the sector. TLU SA is confident that the momentum created through various ongoing processes started by Steenhuisen will not be lost.

"TLU SA trusts that Aucamp will maintain an open-door approach towards organised agriculture. Agricultural organisations represent producers across the full spectrum of the industry and serve as an important voice for both the challenges and the solutions experienced in practice. We look forward to further strengthening this relationship in the interests of the agricultural sector," Van Zyl states.

He concludes that TLU SA wishes Aucamp every success as demanding tasks lie ahead. "Our simple advice from organised agriculture is this: farmers do not judge speeches; they judge actions. It is essential that sound agricultural principles prevail and that free-market principles form the foundation against which all policy decisions and legislation are measured."