South Africa's bumper grain harvest promises relief for food price inflation

THE Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has announced optimistic news for consumers as ample grain harvests are likely to ease food price inflation concerns.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

Agbiz chief economist, Wandile Sihlobo, on Monday shared that South Africa's projected summer grains and oilseed production for the 2024-25 period has risen by 2% since June, reaching an expected 18.74 million tons—a significant 21% increase compared to the previous year.

Sihlobo highlighted the annual uptick across various crops, driven principally by favourable summer rains and expanded planting areas.

“There is an annual uptick in all the crops, mainly supported by favourable summer rains and the decent area plantings. This ample harvest will likely add downward pressure on prices, which bodes well for consumer food price inflation,’ Sihlobo said.