The severity of the impact of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) on small-scale farmers and workers whose livelihoods depend on sugarcane farming, was central to G20 discussions in Durban, last week.
Speaking at the G20 Agriculture Group, John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said “the sugar industry has been badly affected by the HPL. We must fight for the HPL not to go further and begin transitioning towards diversification.”
Steenhuisen also said the Working Group, presents a moment of both urgency and opportunity.
“Urgency, because food insecurity, climate volatility, and systemic exclusion continue to threaten the stability of global food systems.
Opportunity, because never has the world had such scientific insight, technological capacity, and a shared policy platform to do something about it.”
He said small farmers, the rural poor and women, are at the receiving end of rising input costs, unpredictable climate shocks and constrained fiscal spaces.
The Working Group is expected to work towards four pillars- inclusive market participation, empowerment of youth and women, technology and innovation transfer and climate resilience.
The South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA)said it was honoured to be part of the ongoing G20 Agriculture Working Group (AWG) session. “This important platform brought together global leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of agriculture. We believe the time has come to rally behind innovative solutions that not only protect the sugar industry but also pave the way for diversification and sustainable development.”
Picture: Minister John Steenhuisen, Deputy Minister -Nokuzola Capa, the Premier of KwaZulu Natal -Thami Ntuli and the MEC of Agriculture in KZN -Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa.