Wesgro, FPEF, and AgriSA: Agricultural exports at recorded high, poised for even more.
On 6 March 2025, Wesgro, the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum (FPEF), and AgriSA will
convene industry leaders and stakeholders for a pivotal event titled “2025 Agricultural Trade and Investment: Charting the Way Forward.” This event will take place against the backdrop of increasing global geopolitical tensions, where the resilience and growth of South Africa’s agricultural sector exists as a beacon of economic strength.
Over the past year, the South African agriculture sector has demonstrated remarkable
resilience amidst challenges such as a mid-summer drought affecting grain and oilseed
production. In 2024, agricultural exports increased by 3% to reach a record high of US$13.7 billion—driven by strong fruit harvests and livestock recovery. Since 2020, the agricultural trade balance has doubled from $3 billion to an impressive $6 billion, further reinforcing the sector’s pivotal role in the country’s international trade efforts.
“South Africa has world class export driven farmers. Over the past 20 years, fruits and wine have come to dominate the commodity export basket accounting for 33% of total exports value in 2023. These commodities are also labour intensive, underscoring their importance for employment opportunities in agriculture,” says Anton Kruger, Chief Executive Office of FPEF.
With the South African G20 presidency on the horizon, discussions at this event will focus on the critical challenges and opportunities for enhanced market access for South African
agricultural products and investment. “We recognize the vital role that agriculture plays in not just our economy, but also in regional food security,” says Johann Kotze, AgriSA Chief
Executive Officer. “As we move forward, embracing sustainability and enhancing market
access is fundamental to our long-term success and resilience.”
The event will provide a platform for dialogue on various strategies to overcome tariff and
non-tariff barriers and improving cooperation among industry players. A report will be
released on the key trade challenges and opportunities that South African agriculture faces.
“We must leverage the G20 presidency to build investment confidence in agriculture and to
sustain its vital role in the food system. More than 50% of South African produce is exported through the Western Cape, which highlights the province’s reputation as a regional hub for agricultural trade and investment opportunities,” added Wrenelle Stander, WESGRO Chief Executive Officer.
This event will highlight the collaborative work conducted towards a united vision for South
African agriculture and its impact on the G20 markets. Together, we can chart a path forward that embraces growth, sustainability, and resilience.
