SAB’s investment in local farmers boosts South Africa’s agricultural sector

SOUTH Africa's agricultural success rests on collaboration and innovation, said Dr Sifiso Ngqangweni, CEO of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC).

- EDWARD WEST

He spoke at an SA Breweries (SAB) “Cheers to Farmers” event in Rooiwal, Greater Taung Municipality, on Thursday, where the role of local farmers in powering the beer value chain was celebrated.

He said the long-term commitment to research and development that they had witnessed in Rooiwal, including the introduction of new barley varieties and advanced mechanisation support, was helping farmers to increase productivity while staying competitive in global markets.

SAB, maker of beers such as Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, and Flying Fish, has spent more than R650m on agricultural development in South Africa since 2018 in support of the ingredients for making beer.

The beer industry is deeply rooted in South Africa's farming economy, contributing over R2.2 billion to agricultural GDP and supporting more than 38 000 jobs in agriculture nationwide.