Gamtoos Irrigation Board
Agri SA has called on government to limit any increase in the National Minimum Wage to an inflation related increase.
The sector has faced significant headwinds in recent years which threaten the viability of many farms.
Agri SA says it also recognises the cost pressures on all consumers in South Africa.
It says that while the need for an increase to the National Minimum Wage is clear, it needs to be sustainable for the country’s farming operations to ensure food security for consumers.
Agri SA has proposed an increase in the National Minimum Wage of consumer price inflation (CPI) minus 2%.
It says this represents a substantial increase while also accounting for the especially difficult economic context in which the sector finds itself.
The agricultural sector currently employs around 874 000 workers.
