Grain SA serves the interests of grain and oilseed producers across South Africa
Grain SA is a voluntary, farmer-led industry organisation representing over 7,852 commercial members and 5,891 developing grain producer members. Grain SA serves the interests of grain and oilseed producers across South Africa growing maize, wheat, sunflower, soybeans, barley, canola, groundnuts, oats, lupines and sorghum.
Operational regions
Supported commodities
Commercial members
Developing grain producer members
Strategic Intent
Grain SA’s intent is to enable a sustainable, profitable, inclusive and competitive grain sector that delivers enduring value to society. Through its work, Grain SA contributes to:
FOUNDED IN
1999
Food Security
By ensuring access to affordable, nutritious, and safe grains.
Rural Upliftment
Through skills, employment, and infrastructure.
Environmental Resilience
Through sustainable farming and stewardship.
Economic Growth
By strengthening domestic and export-oriented agriculture.
Social Cohesion
Through transformation, equity, and opportunity.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is not only to react to change, but to drive it – for the benefit of every grain producer, large or small.
Grain SA’s strategic mission is to promote the profitability, resilience, and inclusivity of South African grain producers. Through evidence-based advocacy, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Grain SA works to create an enabling environment that ensures sustainable grain production, drives economic growth, and secures national food security while fostering transformation and rural development. Grain SA operates across the entire grain value chain and engages actively with all three spheres of government, regulatory agencies, and national lobbying platforms to influence policy, safeguard producer interests, and strengthen the sector’s long-term viability.
Profitability
Resilience
Inclusivity
Strategic Focus Areas
1. Farm Profitability
Grain SA works to improve the income and resilience of producers through:
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Transparent monitoring of input costs, output prices, and tariff regimesNEW
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Policy advocacy on issues like access to and the safe use of chemicals, diesel rebates, import duties, crop insurance and legislation
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Tools and data that improve decision-making and financial sustainability
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Profitability comparisons across cultivars, farming systems, regions and countries
2. Technology to Ensure Competitiveness
In a fast-evolving sector, Grain SA champions:
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Widespread adoption of precision agriculture, mechanisation, and climate-smart practicesNEW
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Development of NAMPO-Tech and artisan training for the future workforce
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Research into next-generation cultivars (and other methodologies & technologies), drought tolerance, and pest resistance
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Support for producer-driven innovation ecosystems and field trials
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Availability of new technology to South African producers
3. Market Access
Grain SA facilitates efficient, fair markets by:
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Advocating for free and transparent grain marketsNEW
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Improving export logistics port efficiency, and biosecurity
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Opening up new export markets; keeping current export markets and protecting the local market against unfair competition
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Participating in JSE commodity reforms and tariff frameworks
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Ensuring access to quality inputs and resolving disputes in the value chain
4. Transformed and Inclusive Food System
Transformation is not a programme – it is the strategy. Grain SA promotes:
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Commercialisation of new-era black producers and poverty support through the Beyond Abundance Programme
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Access to land, capital, mentorship, and training for previously excluded and next generation farmers
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Youth and women inclusion across the grain value chainNEW
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A diverse and credible member base that reflects the sector’s future
5. Farming for the Future, Today
Sustainability is woven into every priority:
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Environmental stewardship through soil health, biodiversity, and safe chemical useNEW
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A proactive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) roadmap to align with evolving global and consumer expectations
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Research consortia for climate resilience, agronomic innovation, and conservation agriculture
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Advocacy for balanced climate policy that protects producer viability
