[Image: Wikicommons]
Western Cape farmers are keeping a close watch on the government’s relationship with the United States recently, as the numbers show that any disruption to the fragile AGOA agreement could have serious consequences for jobs and the provincial economy.
A recent parliamentary reply from the provincial Department of Agriculture revealed that over 160,000 export-related agricultural jobs in the Western Cape depend on trade with the United States. Among these, more than 35,000 jobs are tied to the citrus industry alone.
In terms of money, the Western Cape exported R3.5 billion worth of agricultural goods to the US, with citrus exports alone accounting for over R1.8 billion.
Noko Masipa, the DA’s Western Cape spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, emphasised the importance of the US as a trading partner, particularly through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free access for a wide range of South African agricultural products.
“The significance of this trade relationship for the Western Cape cannot be overstated,” said Masipa.
“The province is responsible for 74% of South Africa’s Agoa-linked agricultural exports. Any disruption to these preferential trade terms would have serious repercussions for employment, rural development, and export growth.”
He also praised National Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen for recognising the sector’s role in sustaining rural economies.
“Recent data shows agricultural exports climbed to $3.36 billion in the first quarter of the year—a 10% increase compared to the same period last year.”
Masipa stressed that with billions in export value and tens of thousands of jobs at stake, agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Western Cape’s economy.
[Source: George Herald]
