Other sectors have already suffered huge job losses. It is now becoming the task of agriculture, forestry and fisheries to create jobs, and contribute to poverty alleviation. As much as agriculture is seemingly better off in the global economic crisis, it is by no means shielded from its effects. For the first time in five years agricultural imports have exceeded exports in South Africa. This is not only unacceptable, but further vindicates our resolve to support local food production in communities, by communities for communities.