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Agriculture, forestry and fisheries was South Africa’s fastest growing sector in 2020 and 2021.
It was one of only four sectors that realised any growth over this period. In 2021, strong fourth quarter growth of 12.2%, supported by high animal protein prices and additional bulk wine, citrus and pome fruit exports contributed to seasonally adjusted, annual agriculture GDP growing by 8.3%, almost double the growth for the national economy.
Read more about how agriculture is a lifeline for employment.
Given current international market conditions, where prices have spiked further due to weather conditions and supply concerns related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, South Africa’s agricultural sector is likely to expand, in real terms for the third consecutive year in 2022. There is, however, concern regarding rising input costs.
