Cape Town – The Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz) has expressed concern over Botswana’s temporary ban on South African fruit and vegetable imports, which began on June 17 and extends until August 31.
This ban is part of Botswana’s strategy to bolster local agriculture and achieve food self-sufficiency.
But according to SABC, Theo Boshoff from Agbiz has criticised the import restrictions, saying that they negatively impact farmers and result in higher food prices for consumers.
“The consumers are incredibly important here and with veggies in particular, things like potatoes, onions, tomatoes etc. Some of the SADC countries, Botswana and Namibia, they might up their demand during certain times of the year but not throughout the year. It’s a bit of a challenge and these measures gets put in place.
[LISTEN] Theo Boshoff Agbiz CEO says it is crucial to balance the interests of exporters and consumers, especially in Botswana.
🔗https://t.co/LQaq3rncZA#sabcnews #TheWeekendView pic.twitter.com/lDfocdIaI4
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) August 11, 2024
It helps retailers plan so that consumers don’t bear the brunt of high food prices. I think the way forward is to get clarity from government to government so as South Africa, we need to engage the government of Botswana to understand what exactly the legal provisions are they are relying on,” he said.
Agbiz also argued that the restrictions are unsustainable and damage political and economic relations between the two countries.
The bans, which include a temporary halt on orange imports and extended restrictions on various fresh produce until 2025, disrupt trade within the customs union and impact South Africa’s citrus exports, Business Day quoted Wolfe Logan Braude, manager of Agbiz Fruit at Agbiz as saying.
Braude said that these measures undermine the concept of borderless trade and could lead to market inefficiencies and price fluctuations.
He called for an urgent, legally sound solution that respects the customs union and addresses both countries’ agricultural needs.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
