(Photo: Provided)
The latest economic data shows that the agricultural sector continues to play an important role in South Africa’s economic stability, with farmers helping to drive growth despite difficult circumstances.
According to the latest GDP figures from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector grew by 17.4% last year compared to 2024 – by far the strongest growth in the primary sector of the economy. The sector also contributed to the country’s annual GDP growth of 1.1%, while the economy grew by 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
TLU SA says these figures show the critical role that agriculture plays in the economy and food security.
Bennie van Zyl, general manager of TLU SA, says agriculture remains one of the few sectors that still creates sustainable value for the country.
“This growth confirms that agriculture is not just a supporting sector of the economy; it is one of the sectors that really supports the economy,” says Van Zyl.
According to him, the statistics represent thousands of producers who make daily decisions and manage risks to produce food.
“Behind this 17.4% growth are thousands of farmers who make decisions every day, manage risks and continue to plant and produce despite uncertainty.”
Van Zyl says that at the same time the sector operates under great pressure. He cites, among other things, rising input costs, poor infrastructure, logistical problems, water and energy challenges, policy uncertainty and rural crime.
Moreover, agriculture continues to maintain growth while other sectors are shrinking.
(Archive photo: Maroela Media)
“When agriculture grows, a whole network grows together – from input suppliers and transport to food processing and export logistics. Agriculture’s impact therefore extends far beyond the farm gate.”
TLU SA believes the latest figures show that agriculture remains a strategic sector for South Africa’s future.
“We have to realize that without farmers there is no food, stability or growth,” says Van Zyl. “These figures prove it undeniably.”