Agri SA calls for assistance as veld fires threaten food security

Agri SA chief executive officer, Christo van der Rheede said that veld fires can cause extensive damage that destroys vegetation, harms animals, and threatens communities and food security. In response to the destruction of vegetation, emergency response efforts are needed to assist farmers with feed. However, he said the impact of veld fires can be felt long after the fire has been extinguished. Van der Rheede said that the damage to soil health, the disruption of ecosystems, and the alteration of natural fire patterns can also have long-lasting consequences.