KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union KwaNALU says 30 to 40 of farmers are likely to shut down before the end of this year due shortage of resources, natural disasters and disease outbreaks in the province.
KwaNaLUs CEO Sandy La-Marque was part of the post-budget speech consultative engagement in Durban.
La-Marque says farmers are facing serious challenges that require urgent government intervention. She says farmers affected by the imposed US tariffs should not be overlooked.
"Critically, right now, we are dealing with serious challenges, which are the economic viability of farmers. If you are unable to produce your crop viably, sustainably, and profitably, it means farmers wont exist. About 30to 40 of farmers may not survive until the end of the yea,r and it is very serious."
Meanwhile, responding to the tariffs matters, KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa says that whilst this matter is being handled at national level, the provincial government is also engaging all relevant stakeholders.
