South African farmers believe Russia has great potential in the field of agriculture and are interested in sharing experience with the country, Omri van Zyl, the executive director of federation of South African agricultural organisations AgriSa, told Sputnik.
South African farmers believe Russia has great potential in the field of agriculture and are interested in sharing experience with the country, Omri van Zyl, the executive director of federation of South African agricultural organisations AgriSa, told Sputnik.
"The restrictions on western food imports certainly created an opportunity for the local agricultural sector to up their game ... Russian agriculture certainly made a lot of progress over the past four years. Russia has always had great agriculture potential, so it would be interesting to see whether they can transform themselves into a net exporter of produce and a true agriculture heavy weight on the global stage," van Zyl said.
According to van Zyl, South African farmers are also interested in sharing experience with Russia in the field of food security and the two sides are engaged in relevant discussions.
The two countries also have great potential in developing bilateral trade, van Zyl added.
"In terms of exports we have a lot to offer. Grains, fruits, wines, nuts and meat etc. The invaluable knowledge of our generational farmers is certainly also a high-priced commodity. South Africa has only 13,5% of arable land and various climate regions. So, our conditions are tough, and our farmers have over time gained the knowledge and skills to farm profitably. Russian farmers can certainly learn a few things from us," van Zyl said.
Van Zyl also assumed that in the next five or 10 years BRICS countries will be capable to beat the United States in terms of agricultural products exports.
