Worldwide, government support given to farmers currently relies strongly on measures that are distorting and harmful to nature, the climate, nutrition, health and equity. An urgent overhaul of agricultural support policies is required to achieve healthier, more sustainable, equitable and efficient food systems.
Between 2013 and 2018, governments spent an average of nearly US$540 billion [about R8,3 trillion] a year on direct support to individual farmers, which accounted for 15% of agricultural production value.
Approximately US$245 billion [R3,7 trillion] of support for farmers was provided in the form of fiscal subsidies, most of which were linked to the production of specific commodities or the use of specific inputs (coupled subsidies). This type of support leads to negative social, environmental (through overuse of agrochemicals and natural resources, and the promotion of monoculture) and nutritional outcomes (by disproportionately fostering production of staples versus fruits and vegetables).
Under a business-as-usual scenario, it is estimated that support to farmers could reach almost US$1,8 trillion [R27,5 trillion] by 2030.
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained public budgets worldwide. Today, more than ever, governments need to rethink how to use their limited resources most efficiently, and in ways that are not only fiscally viable, but support sustainable development, too.
With this in mind, there is growing urgency to repurpose agricultural support that has negative social, environmental and nutritional outcomes. Such alternative investments could be a driver of economic recovery after COVID- 19 and the transformation of food systems to enhance their sustainability, equity and efficiency while achieving better health outcomes.
REPURPOSING
Denne historien er fra November 26, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra November 26, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
