The agricultural input industry and the competitiveness of South African agriculture

Abstract

This paper discuss the agricultural input industry against the background of major changes in the agricultural sector across the world. It identifies a number of forces that will shape the agricultural sector and specific the agricultural input sector in future. Specific attention is given to the advances in science (especially biotechnology) and the continuous integration of the supply chain to serve consumer needs. It is concluded that in the context of the increasing importance of competitiveness in world agricultural markets it is critical that the agricultural input industry is well integrated and well-aligned with the agricultural value chain to ensure the survival of the agricultural industry. A successful agricultural industry can only be built on trust and good relations with suppliers and customers.