South Africa’s agricultural sector has recorded a robust performance in the first quarter of 2025, with exports reaching a substantial US$3.36 billion. This marks a 10% year-on-year increase, attributed largely to improved export volumes and favourable international commodity prices.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture on 3 June 2025, key export drivers included grapes, maize, apples, and wine. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen welcomed the development, citing it as a reflection of the “unwavering dedication and courageousness” of South Africa’s farmers and agricultural value chain.
Agriculture’s Role in Economic Stability
Minister Steenhuisen emphasised agriculture’s vital contribution to the national economy, stating, “We can all agree that agriculture plays a vital role in our nation’s economic ambitions and contributes significantly to our trade balance.”
Employment Sees Mild Recovery
The Statistics SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey reported a 1% quarter-on-quarter improvement in primary agricultural employment, reaching 930,000 jobs in Q1 2025. Growth was mainly observed in field crops, game, and hunting.
While total employment still trails by 1% year-on-year, the mild uptick is seen as a sign of resilience and recovery following recent financial challenges. Minister Steenhuisen expressed optimism about the sector’s upward trajectory and assured continued government support for struggling subsectors.
Youth Participation Takes Centre Stage
With June being Youth Month, the minister called for a renewed focus on youth participation in agriculture, citing it as crucial to the industry’s long-term sustainability and food security.
“The future of our country and of our agricultural sector hinges on the active involvement of our young people,” Steenhuisen noted. He urged the nation to “ignite a passion for farming, agribusiness, and the entire agricultural value chain” among the youth.
Strategic Focus Areas to Empower Young Agripreneurs
To attract and retain youth in agriculture, the Ministry outlined several key areas for investment:
- Tailored financial assistance for young agripreneurs
- Agricultural education integration into school curricula
- Vocational training, mentorship, and incubation opportunities
- Access to land and market linkages for young farmers
- Promotion of innovation and technology in farming
Positive agricultural career narratives, beyond traditional farming
Call to Action
Minister Steenhuisen appealed to government, private sector, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for youth in agriculture. “The energy, innovation, and adaptability of our young citizens are precisely what our agricultural sector needs,” he said.
As part of Youth Month initiatives, the Ministry looks forward to “progressive engagements and interventions” to support young farmers and advance the sector.
Bursary Applications Now Open
In a related announcement, the Department of Agriculture confirmed that bursary applications for the 2026 academic year are now open for students in agriculture-related fields.
Interested applicants can access the form via the following link: