ARC Vision 2050 Discussion Document

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) invites comments on the Vision 2050 Discussion Document. "To  ensure  sustainable  and  affordable  food  security,  the  ARC  has  defined  the  following  as  being  the   change  imperative  for  agriculture  in  South  Africa,  leading  up  to  the  year  2050:   'South  Africa’s  population  will  increase  substantially  leading  to  2050  resulting  in  an  increase  in  the   demand   for   agriculture   products.   Compromised   food   security   and   food   safety   could   impact   on   public  welfare   and   socio-­‐political   stability.  The  mix   of   food   supply  will   change   to  meet   changing   dietary  requirements,  consumer  preferences  and  affordability.

Agricultural   production   and   productivity   will,   without   intervention,   be   severely   negatively   impacted  primarily  through  climate  change,  changing  land  use  patterns  (including  industrialisation   and  urbanisation),  deterioration  in  soil,  plant  and  animal  health,  energy  supply,  water  availability   and  quality,  pest  and  diseases  outbreaks,  reduced  biodiversity  (e.g.  disappearance  of  pollinators),   eco-­‐system  changes,  and  other  environmental  challenges.   Agricultural   input   and   commodity   prices   are   likely   to   increase   substantially   impacting   on   global   competitiveness.  This  will alter  the  structure  and  behaviour  of  the  agricultural  market.'"