"If aspects like corruption, poor service delivery by government and the inability to implement sound policies -- also pertaining to land reform -- are not addressed, the conference will without doubt be an exercise in futility", said Agri-SA president Johannes Moller.

He said introspection by the African National Congress was needed to tackle complicated issues like land reform.

The conference should also focus on economic growth, including the economic well-being of the agricultural sector.

Moller said the agricultural sector could help the country by, among other things, helping to create employment, relieve food insecurity and promote rural development.

Agri-SA would participate in a forum for business, which would run concurrently with the policy conference.

"We will definitely make use of the opportunity to engage with Cabinet ministers and other government representatives on matters confronting our sector and the country at large", he said.

The ANC meets in Midrand for four days from Tuesday to discuss 13 policy documents ahead of its national conference in December.

The policy decisions made at the policy conference will be discussed and finalised at the national conference in Mangaung, Free State, in December.

These policies will form the basis for the ANC government's policies, new laws or amended laws.