The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) says it is willing to: “facilitate discussions” to end the three-year stalemate over South Africa’s Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP), arguing the sector must work efficiently for the good of all South Africans.

Adopted in 2022, the AAMP was designed to grow and transform agriculture and agro-processing through a shared framework of strategies and objectives.

But the FF+ says the process: “lacked inclusive participation,” excluding key players from agricultural, employer, consumer, and industry organisations, a shortcoming the party argues the signatories, including the Agriculture Department and National Agricultural Marketing Council: “cannot deny.”

The party says its analysis of points of contention and consultations with stakeholders: “within and outside the process, excluding trade unions,” shows far more agreement on principles and policy than the impasse suggests.

The FF+ adds that Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen should acknowledge these shortcomings to get the plan back on track.