There are growing concerns after US President Donald Trump announced that goods from SA will be subject to the tariff from the first of next month. This is subject to a new trade deal being reached. The announcement has also sent shock waves through the local wine industry which is valued at over 650 million Rand ($42 million) annually. Agri Western Cape Chief Executive Officer, Jannie Strydom says the tariffs might also have an impact on the sustainability of farmers

“We've recently seen the results from statistics in terms of employment opportunities in the Western Cape. The sector contributes 25.5% of the agricultural workforce in the country. In terms of permanent labour we employ about 220 000 people, you can double it with seasonal workers, so we are a huge employer in the agricultural sector,” Strydom said.

--SABC--