South Africa may be one of the top 40 global agricultural exporters, but when it comes to wheat, we’re still a net importer — bringing in roughly half of the wheat we consume each year.
In this week’s episode of “AgriView with Wandile”, we unpack why that is, how the country’s wheat production has shifted over time, and what the latest crop estimates reveal about the 2025/26 season.
From weather patterns in the Western Cape to shifts in planting decisions in the Free State, Wandile explores the factors shaping local production — and what that means for prices, imports, and consumers.
The conversation also takes a global perspective: with record harvests in countries like Russia, the EU, and Australia, international wheat prices are under pressure — a development that could benefit South African consumers while still supporting local producers through tariff mechanisms.
Wandile closes with insights on food security, wheat breeding, and why domestic production capacity remains critical. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the balance between imports, prices, and production in South Africa’s agricultural landscape.
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