Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the Agri-sector will always be a critical component to economic development in the country. He was a speaker at Caledon in the Overberg of the Western Cape for the State of the Beer Economy.
The beer industry in South Africa adds over R2.2 billion to the agriculture GDP.
All alcohol industries suffered significant losses during the COVID-19 pandemic but have shown steady recovery. The beer industry in particular is showing positive signs of growth once more.
Caledon is green under the fields of barley. It is one of the major hubs for the growth of crops to make beer. From the soil to the amber liquid in a glass, around 250 000 jobs and around 38 000 households are supported countrywide. 95 of all ingredients needed to make beer are sourced in South Africa.
"In order to maintain local sourcing and that 95 is that we understand certain crop varietals that will do well in our climate, we understand how to form sustainable, thats important for local sourcing. We are operating in a global economy. Its important to ensure that our local farmers remain competitive so its something we take very seriously, and weve invested over R200 million into research and development over the recent time to ensure that we remain as competitive as possible," says SAB CEO Richard Rivett-Carnac.
