SA farmers and agribusinesses are in a pensive mood (opens original article in a new tab)

South African farmers and agribusinesses remain pessimistic despite positive economic indicators like increased agricultural exports and employment, with confidence index at 45 in Q2 2026 due to factors including global market pressures and disease outbreaks.

• South African agricultural exports rose 11% in Q1 2026 to $3.7 billion due to higher volumes and commodity prices
• Agribusiness confidence index fell to 45 in Q2 2026, its lowest since Q2 2024, indicating pessimism
• Factors affecting sentiment include Middle East conflict impacts, foot-and-mouth disease, and low global sugar/wheat prices
• El Niño weather concerns and high input costs persist despite recent US-Iran Strait of Hormuz agreement