Question NW1393 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Reply:

a) Yes

b) Yes

(i) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development provides support to all farmers regardless of the production system that they use to produce their crops. This includes financial and non-financial support. There is no dedicated funding for organic farming. Organic farming is one of the production systems that farmers in South Africa use. It is relatively small compared to dominant systems like conventional farming, conservation agriculture, natural farming, agro ecology, and others. The growth of organic farming in South Africa is slowed down by factors like lower yields compared to products from other systems, pest and disease control as well as market access. There is also a perception that organic products are for high-income groups and the rich.

(ii) Funding for farmers is done through two conditional grants, namely the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme (CASP) as well as Ilima/Letsema. The farmers get funding if they qualify and meet the requirements. Non-financial support that DALRRD had been providing over the years includes information and advice on best practices regarding organic farming.

Crops produced through organic farming in South Africa include the following:

• Vegetables are considered the most common organic commodity, with a range of leafy vegetables, legumes, brassicas, squashes and root crops. Most western vegetables are produced locally, as well as vegetables from the east. High-value vegetables were typically exported to Europe.
• Herbs, including culinary medicinal and aromatics are grown organically in South Africa. The range of plants grown is very wide and indigenous cultivated plants are included in this category.
• Deciduous fruits. Organic apples are produced for export to Europe. One group of farmers has received certification for olives. Passion fruit is available in the local market. Grapes are primarily used to produce organic wine for local and export markets, while table grapes are sold locally. Berries included strawberries for local markets and blackberries for export markets.
• Citrus included oranges, lemons and clementine, the bulk of which are exported and represent a significant organic export market.
• Sub-tropical fruit consists primarily of avocadoes and constitute a significant export market. Guavas are grown for pulping and export and bananas have recently become available on the domestic market.