Small scale sugar farmers get new voice

History was made last week when the government gazette officially published the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) and the need for transformation in the sugar industry.

SAFDA chairman Siyabonga Madlala said this is a major first step for transformation in the agricultural sector, allowing more black participants to make an active contribution in ensuring the sustainability of the sector.

“Although it has been a long road to get this far, with some very difficult times being faced in the last three years since our formation, I believe our struggle was not in vain. We have remained steadfast in our cause,” said Madlala.

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Historically, the industry has recognised the South African Cane Growers Association as the only representative of sugarcane farmers in South Africa, which Madlala claimed has not focused on the sustainability of small-scale and land reform farmers.

Now, with the official recognition of SAFDA, small scale farmers will have a central role to play in ensuring their own sustainability.

“Recognition means that black growers have 50:50 representation on all decision-making structures in industry as well as in each of the mill areas.”

According to Madlala, black small-scale farmers represent about 90% of the sugar industry, but are only able to contribute about 10% of sugarcane production. Over the last two decades, there has been a rapid decline in small-scale sugarcane farmers, who numbered around 50 000 in the early 2000s but are today sitting at about 20 000.

“We, as black farmers who are categorized as small-scale and land reform, know first-hand the challenges that are faced on the ground. We live and grew up in the deep rural communities and understand very well that we are not on an equal footing with our commercial white counterparts,” said Madlala.

“This is not because we do not know how to farm, but because we have not had a real opportunity to fairly participate and represent ourselves at industry level.”

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The association sees itself as a home for all progressive farmers – black and white, small, medium and large.

“SAFDA’s primary focus is to grow the industry subject to meaningful participation by black growers in the value chain and diversification into ethanol, co-generation and bio-based products, among others. Meaningful participation means ownership, management and control of a diversified sugar industry.”

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