13 Grain SA is the collective expression of grain producers’ interests within the public domain but also serves a unique and specific purpose beyond representation alone. While it is not a business in the traditional sense, it functions as the corporate headquarters for grain producers, providing a space where issues of strategic importance are considered, advocating for the collective interest of grain producers and support to each other. The organisation endeavours to exert impact across government institutions, grain value chains as well as research and business sectors. We serve the interests of grain producers through strategic collaboration and the allocation of resources to identify, access and transfer cutting-edge technology. Our mandate is clear – to ensure that farmers are supported in every aspect of their farming practices to achieve profitability and sustainability. Grain SA strategic responsibility to achieve these objectives is executed in a comprehensive framework that firstly prioritises the optimisation of farming profit through resource efficiency, yield improvement, cost reduction and effective plant health management. It also emphasises the promotion of productivity by leveraging advanced technologies, research-driven crop improvement, cultivar evaluation and robust crop protection measures. Market development and diversification are integral, underpinned by free-market principles, transparency, biosecurity, diagnostic services and effective pest and disease management. Equally important is the creation of an inclusive food system, achieved by supporting emerging producers, alleviating poverty, facilitating technology transfer and fostering community development. Our impact areas include research innovation, climate adaptation, crop improvement, plant health, biosecurity and data analysis. Support is provided to all producers, from subsistence to commercial, through technology adoption, study groups, training, mentorship, NAMPO and the SA Grain Magazine. Late, dry start for all regions The positive effects of these support structures are evident in the strong yields achieved during the 2024/2025 season despite severe financial and operational pressures. Both summer grain and winter cereal producers faced a late, dry start to the season, followed by good rains in February and March. As a result, summer grain production recovered sharply, increasing by 29,3% from 15 530 495 to 20 082 585 tons. Maize rose by 26,3% (to 16 946 050 tons), sunflower by 12,1% (to 708 300 tons) and soybeans by 49% (to 2 753 125 tons). Winter cereals had a favourable start, but dry conditions later in the Rûens and persistently low prices continued to challenge producer sustainability. Even so, 2025 winter cereal production is estimated to have increased by 4,36%, from 2 655 250 to 2 770 913 tons. Wheat rose by 5,41%, canola by 7,40% and oats increased from 43 400 to 57 213 tons. Of particular concern is the sustainability of the wheat value chain, with focus on the role and future success of local wheat producers, including pricing mechanisms, fair international competition, alignment of production quality and quantity and the strengthening of partnerships within the value chain. Innovation in a changing climate South African farmers operate in a complex and often unpredictable environment. Climate volatility is a major risk, with unpredictable rainfall and heavy seasonal precipitation disrupting planting schedules. Energy interruptions affect operations dependent on irrigation and processing. OUR MISSION IN MOTION Report of the CEO DR Tobias doyer
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