Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says South Africa’s agricultural exports surged in the first quarter of 2025, reaching over $3.3 billion — a 10% increase year-on-year.
It comes as Statistics South Africa also announced yesterday that agricultural production increased by 15,8% in the first quarter, which helped the country avoid a GDP contraction.
The economy grew by 0,1% in the first quarter, with farming the only sector keeping the economy afloat.
READ: SA Economy Sees Minimal Growth in Q1 2025, Agriculture Keeps Economy Afloat
Steenhuisen has praised farmers for their resilience, their unwavering dedication and courageousness.
Higher export volumes of grapes, maize, apples, and wine were experienced in the first quarter, alongside improved international commodity prices.
“We can all agree that agriculture plays a vital role in our nation’s economic ambitions and contributes significantly to our trade balance.”
In May, the agricultural sector also received good news. Statistics SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicated that primary agriculture employment showed a mild recovery of 1% from the previous quarter, reaching 930,000 jobs in Quarter 1 of 2025.
This increase was primarily observed in the field crops, game, and hunting subsectors.
“This mild recovery in employment is a welcomed sign, and the Department of Agriculture is committed to implementing interventions to support the subsectors and regions still feeling the effects of previous challenges.”
The Minister has also emphasised that there is a crucial need for increased youth participation in the agricultural sector to ensure its long-term sustainability and growth.
“The future of our country and that of our agricultural sector hinges on the active involvement of our young people. We need to ignite a passion for farming, agribusiness, and the entire agricultural value chain among our youth.”
He says attracting and retaining young talent requires significant investment and concerted efforts through the entire value chain.
This includes providing accessible and tailored financial assistance to young agripreneurs and facilitating equitable access to productive land, among other initiatives.
He has called on the private sector to get more involved.
“We are looking forward to having progressive engagements and interventions as a way to commemorate Youth Month so that our young farmers can contribute in growing our economy.”
The Department of Agriculture offers bursaries to deserving students in agriculture-related fields. Applications for the 2026 academic year are now open.
