BUDGET 2020 – Reaction: From an agricultural viewpoint

Given the extremely difficult economic climate in which this budget speech was delivered, the immediate feeling is fairly positive. The fact that the minister focused on wasteful expenditure and cost savings from a government perspective shows the government’s intent, but implementation will be key.

From an agricultural viewpoint the fact that R500 million has been provisionally set aside for disaster management, including floods and the ongoing drought, is very positive, although the implementation will be the proof in the pudding. This includes the allocation of almost the same amount to support compliance with biosecurity and support exports. The recent foot and mouth disease outbreak proves the necessity for this allocation.

It is also promising that government has also allocated funds for land restitution. The R500 million to be set aside for restitution could result in more land claims being resolved over the medium term.

The increase in the fuel levy was expected, but given the current over recovery in diesel prices, the impact will be limited. The over recovery is a result of lower oil prices on the back off the coronavirus and the exchange rate. The latter has already reacted positively on the budget speech.

The move to allow third party access into the rail network is also positive as it may help expedite agriculture exports that currently face bottlenecks and higher costs from trucking due to weak road infrastructure in some provinces.

In a weak economic environment and disposable incomes under pressure, the tax relieve for hard-working tax payers is most welcome and will help consumption growth (tax payers who earn on average R265 000 a year, will see their income tax reduced by over R1 500 a year).