Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers

DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.

- John Steenhuisen

Why did you get involved in politics?

Politics is the arena where you can make a difference to people's lives and where ideas can become reality.

What is your link with agriculture?

I have no formal link with agriculture, and it is not a requirement to be appointed as a minister. However, I have been interested in the sector for a long time and, as the leader of the opposition, have engaged with the sector and visited various national and regional shows over several years.

Issues such as rural safety, infrastructure and rural economies are just some of the issues I have interacted on in the past.

Agriculture was not your first choice when negotiating the Government of National Unity (GNU). How do you feel about the portfolio now?

Agriculture was not originally on the table, but when it was, we accepted it given the catalytic role it can play in job creation and economic growth.

I am delighted with the portfolio and look forward to doing some great things with the sector to promote and grow agriculture. We have the best farmers and farmworkers in the world, and I look forward to supporting them and helping them grow opportunities.

What have been some of the biggest surprises in your new position?

The absolute willingness and enthusiasm of players in the sector, from small producers to the large commercial players, to assist and get involved.

And your biggest frustrations?

The fact that the [agriculture] department is currently being separated from land reform, which is a slow process. Nevertheless, I think it will be good for the agriculture sector to have a minister who is engaged full-time with it. I think that land reform and rural development sucked up a lot of the oxygen and energy, previously.

What is your vision for emerging farmers and transformation?