'Training and skills development crucial' in agri-sector

Agriculture will remain at the
heart of developing countries’
economies requiring ongoing
investment and focus, says
Elfriede Diedericks, CEO of
Bumbene Safety Consultants.
Actively involved as health
and safety consultants and
training providers in the
agricultural fresh produce
sector Diedericks says there
is a firm move in the country
towards producing food
products affordably and
sustainably.
“It is a trend throughout
the agricultural value chain,”
she says. “Fresh-produce
manufacturers in particular
are incorporating more
environmentally friendly
methods and greening their
products as an effective tool.”
With strong long-term
demand for food the
agricultural sector will
continue to grow but there
are challenges. “In this age of
growing environment anxiety,
increased logistical and supply
chain costs as well as more
demand the focus needs to be
on efficiency,” says Diedericks.
“It is a collaborative approach
by all role-players to ensure a
sustainable agriculture sector
in the country.”
According to Diedericks the
weaker rand has had a major
impact on agricultural trade.
“With input costs such as fuel,
fertiliser, seed, equipment
and wages increasing there
has been huge pressure on
the sector to continue to
deliver. This has further been
impacted by the ongoing
drought.
“Profitability per hectare
continues its downward
trend adding to our
weakening macroeconomic
environment.” With food
prices set to increase due
to these and other factors,
Diedericks said investment
and focus on the sector
needed to increase.
She said training and skills
development were just as
important.
“Teaching best long term
practices and solutions is
incredibly important in
the current agricultural
landscape. Not only does
this protect the long-term
productivity of our land and
improve the sustainability
of farming methods and
practices, it also works
towards a goal of ensuring
profitable yields and the
well-being of farmers and
farm workers over the long
run,” she said.