South Africa’s agriculture sector recorded a 1% uptick in jobs in Q1 2025, with strong export performance and renewed calls for youth involvement. The country’s agriculture industry is showing renewed signs of resilience. Statistics South Africa reports that the sector achieved US$3.36 billion in exports in the first quarter of 2025, a 10% year-on-year increase driven by higher volumes of grapes, maize, apples and wine, along with stronger global commodity prices.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen credited the sector’s performance to the determination of local farmers and the strength of the broader agricultural value chain. “Agriculture plays a vital role in our economic ambitions and significantly contributes to our trade balance,” said Steenhuisen.
The Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows employment in primary agriculture rose by 1% from the previous quarter to 930,000 jobs, largely due to gains in field crops, game farming and hunting. However, annual employment figures were still down by 1% compared to the same period last year. “This mild recovery is a welcome sign,” said Steenhuisen, adding that the department is committed to supporting subsectors and regions still recovering from economic setbacks.
As South Africa marks Youth Month, Steenhuisen stressed the importance of attracting young people to agriculture to secure the sector’s long-term future. “The future of our country and that of our agricultural sector hinges on the active involvement of young people. We need to ignite a passion for farming, agribusiness and the entire value chain,” added Steenhuisen.
He called for targeted investment in modern agricultural education, vocational training, mentorship, land access, and technology-driven innovation to make the sector more appealing to young agripreneurs. Steenhuisen urged collaboration among government, the private sector, education institutions and communities to create an enabling environment. “The energy, innovation and adaptability of our young citizens are precisely what our agricultural sector needs to reach its full potential and ensure lasting food security,” concluded Steenhuisen.
