Durban - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the appointment of Agri SA Head of Natural Resources Janse Rabie by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Presidential Climate Commission.
Rabie alo serves as Agri SA’s legal and policy executive.
DA Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Noko Masipa, said that AgriSA’s key advocacy areas for farmers include conducive policies on land, legislation, environment, labour and trade.
“Rabie will serve as a farmer's voice on this commission that deals with the effects of climate change on the environment. This appointment comes at a time when farmers have been battling droughts, floods, and challenges of pests after a long drought.”
Masipa added that the recent flood in KZN has cost 308 farmers an estimated amount of R220.9 million.
“These damages include infrastructure and infield damages. Losses as a result of unreliable energy, drought and pests have been heavily felt by many farmers. The separation of Agriculture and Environmental portfolios at the start of the sixth term means that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) must effectively collaborate and lobby its counterpart Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in order to deal with agriculture climate issues.”
Masipa said the Climate Commission’s immediate challenge is to review all climate change plans for agriculture, create awareness and speedily implement strategies to assist farmers with the current climate crisis.