English
Agri SA has called on the agricultural sector to adhere to the precautionary measures as announced by the government to curb the spread of Covid-19. The Covid-19 pandemic is not just an epidemiological problem, but a global health problem.
“This pandemic not only impacts on the day to day business of all sectors, but it poses a serious health hazard to all South Africans. It can only be tackled through an integrated and global approach. Let us work together to prevent any action that may lead to the spread of the virus,” they stated.
The organisation also emphasized that the spread of the virus threatens agricultural trade globally. South African agriculture exports approximately 25 commodities amounting to a value of more than $10 billion annually.
“The current uncertainty of the markets and the subsequent global economic slowdown is adding additional pressure on the debilitating South African economy. The growing impact of the COVID-19 coincides with the announcement of a 1,4% retraction in our economy as well as a decline of 7,6% for agriculture in the fourth quarter of 2019,” says Omri van Zyl, Agri SA’s executive director.
Van Zyl says that at this stage it is difficult to quantify the economic impact on South African agriculture and that they are expecting supply chain and logistical disruptions that may cause harm to export-driven agricultural actors.
In light of this, Agri SA has called on all parties involved in the agricultural sector to strictly adhere to the safety precautions as set out by the state and various other informed institutions. In corporation with the World Health Organisation, they have compiled the following guidelines: Tips for safe workplaces COVID-19
