The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

"By placing a restriction on the size of land that a farmer may own and through nationalisation, poverty and not prosperity will be promoted in South Africa," Dr. Pieter Mulder, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and leader of the Freedom Front Plus said in a speech during the President's Gala Dinner of the cattle stud-farmers of South Africa and Herd Book in Bloemfontein.

"In South Africa we are currently busy with unnecessary debates about nationalisation and about land which is causing South Africa to lose its international competitiveness. It is in everybody's interest that these uncertainties are removed as soon as possible."

Dr. Mulder also praised the cattle industry as the agricultural sector which makes the largest contribution (44%) of all agricultural sectors to the country's GDP. If agriculture's contribution to South Africa's GDP is analysed, the gross value of cattle and related animal products in 2008 were R53 billion as opposed to cash crops' contribution of R40 billion and horticultural products' R27 billion.

Without improved genetics which include seeds, bulls and rams, the targets which have been set to provide food for everybody in South Africa in 2030, will not be reached. Commercial farmers, researchers and the herd-book play a decisive role and should be thanked for it.