In the first decade of Zimbabwe's Independence, white farmers enjoyed the State sanctioned role of economic producers for the nation; their farming successes constituted their contribution to the national good. Over the years, white farmers have enjoyed a reputation for agricultural expertise and economic dynamism; the Land Acquisition Act of 1992, however, presented the first major threat to white farmers since 1980. Over the past decade, white farmers have increasingly been defined as 'enemies of the State' by party and state officials, and this came to a head in February 2000, after ZANU (PF)'s first-ever defeat in a national referendum.