2.1 Background On 8 July 2014, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (hereinafter referred to as the Department) was requested by the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) to present its Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plans and Budget as required by the Public Finance Management Act (Act, No. 1 of 1999). In its presentation, the Department reported planned activities for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period with specific focus on the previously disadvantaged smallholder sector in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. During the deliberations, concerns were raised regarding baseline data for some of the reported targets as well as the impact of the reportedly achieved targets on service delivery.