Agriculture and Food Supply Sectors will be operating during the lockdown

The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, has clarified how the Agriculture and Food Supply Sectors would be affected during the 21-day lockdown.

Minister Didiza confirmed that while several businesses will be affected, these sectors would not be as they are among the essential services needed for the livelihood of the country.

In her statement, the minister confirmed the following:

• All forms of agricultural production will remain uncompromised, including all its necessary services like the provision of veterinary and advisory services

• Live auctions of livestock and the sale of other agricultural commodities will be continuing, but following strict conditions and regulations outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa

• Exports and imports of critical agricultural commodities will continue throughout the lockdown to ensure both global and national food security

• These points apply not only to food retailers, but to the entire food value chain, from farm-related operations, agro-processing and food manufacturing, to logistics-related services, wholesale and retail services, and all the support functions needed to ensure efficient delivery

• To ensure that food prices are not inflated during this time, monitoring will be conducted on crucial food items and reports will be given, and the community will be updated on a regular basis

• This department has been allocated, and has subsequently set aside, R1,2 billion in order to address the effects of Covid-19 on food and agriculture, and ensure that sustainable food production will continue even after the pandemic. Didiza said that the details of this money and its application channels will soon be made available

• A separate amount of R100 million has also been allocated to the Land Bank in order to assist farmers in distress

Minister Didiza said that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and its partners are working on operational procedures that will ensure that each person involved is adhering to the regulations announced by Ramaphosa, including providing sanitation measures to employees within the sector, especially farm workers.

Role players in the food value chain are urged to comply and adhere to the strict health regulations that have been imposed while supplying food. By doing this, the role players will be doing their part in containing the virus and stopping its spread.

First and foremost, Minister Didiza has urged residents not to panic-buy, assuring citizens that the country has sufficient food supply. “Panic-buying will only cause disruptions and inconvenience in the food system. I urge you, fellow citizens, also to be considerate and purchase that which is sufficient for your needs.

“To wholesalers and retailers, we urge you not to engage in price-gouging at such a crucial time for the country. You have an important role to play in the supply of food, and the fight against Covid-19. We ask that you continue to serve the nation and help ensure food security at this critical juncture.”