A revitalised Land Bank, a reoriented Agricultural Research Council and a transformed Department will help ensure that the potential of all farmers is realised. This partnership needs to extend beyond matters directly agricultural. Over the next few years, we face the challenge of consolidating democratic local government. The Farmers' Union, and other institutions including Traditional Authorities have an important role to play in ensuring democratic and therefore good governance. Reducing crime is high on all our agendas.
Government is aware that crime is causing concern to farmers.
Additional resources have been allocated to the police in the national budget. The organised farming community has a critical role in crime prevention. This includes ensuring that members of the community work with the police rather than take the law into their own hands. A lasting solution to this problem depends on the success of our programmes to improve socio-economic conditions. But even in the shorter term an impact can be made by maximising farm employment.