AgriSA to champion sustainable agriculture and investment at B20 South Africa Launch

AgriSA to champion sustainable agriculture and investment at B20 South Africa Launch

AgriSA’s President, Jaco Minnaar, and CEO, Johann Kotzé, will participate in the official launch of the B20 South Africa summit on 24-25 February in Cape Town. The event will bring together key decision-makers to discuss pivotal issues shaping South Africa’s economic future.

AgriSA is committed to engaging in dialogue on the critical issues facing the agriculture sector and the broader South African economy. In the current global geopolitical climate, AgriSA views its participation in the B20 as an essential opportunity to advocate for policies that support sustainable agricultural growth, global trade, and food security in South Africa.

“Engaging with key stakeholders at the B20 launch is important, as agriculture is a crucial driver of sustainable growth and investment,” said Kotzé.  He further emphasized the importance of leveraging this global platform to address three critical areas:

1. Sustainable trade practices: “Agricultural trade between South Africa and the G20 represents 55% of our agricultural exports, worth approximately R134 billion. We must ensure that climate adaptation, net-zero transition plans, and sustainability requirements are integrated into trade conditions without compromising the African food system. South African farmers are already committed to environmentally responsible farming, and we possess various sustainability standards across many value chains. We must use these as mechanisms to enhance our efforts and demonstrate our progress. It is paramount that transition plans do not compromise the sustainability of the African food system or the future of food in G20 markets,” Kotzé explained.
2. Enhanced market access: “Global market access is vital for food system sustainability and employment in rural areas. We must address non-tariff barriers and acknowledge the role of protocols in, i.e., managing animal health challenges is critical,” he added.
3. Investment confidence: “The B20 platform presents a unique opportunity to attract investments and create growth prospects that can significantly contribute to South Africa’s economic development,” concluded Kotzé.

The B20 South Africa summit will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and global experts to address key economic challenges and shape impactful policy recommendations. AgriSA values the B20 platform, and its participation underscores its dedication to positioning agriculture as a central pillar of sustainable economic growth.