Question NW92 to the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
16 August 2019 - NW92
Sindane, Mr P to ask the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Whether his department has ever conducted a feasibility study into the possibility of the Republic procuring 100% of food consumed locally; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings of the study? NW105OE
Reply:
Since 1994, neither the Department nor its entities have conducted a study into the possibility of procuring 100% of food consumed locally.
There was no compelling reason for undertaking such a study. However, the Department undertakes studies on food security levels, agricultural production trends, and agricultural trade patterns. In circumstances where there is comparative disadvantage and domestic consumption exceeds production such as in the case of wheat, the country imports the balance.