Politicians need to resolve uncertainty around agricultural policy, said Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Deputy Minister Pieter Mulder.

"The biggest problem at present in agriculture is the uncertainty about land and uncertainty about further government interference in agriculture," he told the Afrikaner Cattle Breeders' Association centenary in Thabazimbi, according to his office.

Agricultural uncertainty was caused by irresponsible propaganda statements which sought short-term political gain, said Mulder.

Political will was needed to take the right decisions about land reform and less state interference in agriculture. Land reform was linked to food security.

"Forty percent of all cattle in South Africa belong to communal and small-scale farmers," he said.

"The problem is that these farmers only contribute five percent to the meat production in the country."

If this percentage could be increased, it could make a huge contribution to addressing poverty in rural areas.

Afrikaner cattle had helped to provide food, milk and transport to South Africans, through the association.

"The fact that this breed of cattle is depicted on monuments, honoured by poets and praised in traditional songs, confirms the important role which it has played in the last hundred years," said Mulder.