SA grain industry appeals for government support as the sector contends with an extreme heat crisis

WITH THE CURRENT drought gripping South Africa now pushing agricultural conditions to its limits, the local grain industry yesterday urgently appealed to the government for support and assistance. Grain SA said immediate action was needed to provide financial assistance through an agricultural disaster fund, access to affordable credit remedies and affordable income insurance, enabling producers to weather the crisis and sustain their livelihoods. It is not yet clear what implications the crisis will have on food prices and availability. According to data from Fitch Solution Industry Report, South African Agribusiness Report Q4 2023, South Africa’s biggest crop is grain, which includes barley, maize, oats, sorghum and wheat. This contributes more than 30% to the total agricultural product. South Africa is facing a severe drought crisis, exacerbated by extreme heat waves,…