National Department of Agriculture

[Media Release] Minister of National Department of Agriculture John Steenhuisen welcomes the signing of the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa that will support long-term food production and support the Department’s goal of creating more jobs and growing the economy. Since the 2000’s there has been various attempts to develop legislation to replace the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act (SALA) of 1970 (Act no. 70 of 1970), as valuable agricultural land was being lost at an alarming rate for residential and mining purposes. It is estimated that less than 13% of South Africa’s 122 million hectares of land is high potential agriculture land. Minister Steenhuisen highlighted that improving food security is one of the Department of Agriculture’s seven strategic priorities. “We want to create an environment for agriculture to prosper and to ensure the sector creates much needed jobs and food security. The ability to protect and preserve high potential agriculture land for this purpose is one of the essential tools to achieve this goal.”

[Media Statement📃] The National Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce that South Africa (SA) has ratified the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). South Africa has joined the ITPGRFA by depositing its instrument of accession with the Director-General of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) on 23 December 2024, making it the 154th Contracting Party to this International Treaty. The official announcement was subsequently made by the ITPGRFA Secretariat on 16 January 2025. The Treaty’s objectives are conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of these benefits arising from their use, in agreement with the Convention on Biological Diversity for sustainable agriculture and food security. These are aligned with the recently approved White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity. The Treaty aims at recognising farmers’ enormous contribution to the enhancement of a diversity of crops that feed the world; establishing a global system to provide farmers, plant breeders and scientists with access to plant genetic materials; and ensuring that recipients share benefits they derive from using these genetic materials.

[🎥] In conversation with Brand South Africa | Minister John Steenhuisen shared his #WEF2025 highlights, showcasing 🇿🇦 South Africa's leadership in food security, bioeconomy innovation, and agriculture. He also reflected on strengthening global partnerships and leveraging the country’s G20 presidency to drive sustainable agricultural solutions and progress on the world stage. #GovZAUpdates

[Media Release] Historic Legislative Change to Boost Agricultural Growth and Sustainability Awaits Presidential Assent. The Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill has been finalised and is now awaiting President Cyril Ramaphosa's assent. This groundbreaking legislation aims to safeguard agricultural land, promote sustainable development, and restore degraded land through agro-ecological practices. The bill represents a major step forward in fostering growth in the agriculture sector while addressing the environmental impacts of harmful farming practices. #GovZAUpdates

The National Department of Agriculture has finalised the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill, which is now awaiting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s assent. This landmark legislation marks a critical step towards preserving agricultural land, restoring degraded areas through agro-ecology, and ensuring sustainable food systems for future generations. On the sidelines of the #WEF2025 in Davos, Minister John Steenhuisen participated in a global panel discussion on the topic: "How to Reverse the Trend of Land Degradation to Ensure Resilient Economies Are Created for the Future." His message was clear: by investing in sustainable farming practices and land restoration, we can build thriving economies that benefit everyone. #GovZAUpdates More here: 🔗https://lnkd.in/duz7htbs

[Don’t miss this📍] Minister John Steenhuisen will join the "On Firmer Ground with Land Restoration" panel discussion at #WEF2025. 📅 Date: 24 January 2025 🕒 Time: 10:00am [RSA] 🔗 Watch live here: https://lnkd.in/dVnSkHk2 Be part of the global conversation on sustainable land restoration, food security, and climate resilience. Tune in and join this insightful discussion. #GovZAUpdates

National Department of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen aims to revitalise indigenous crops that have fallen out of traditional use. Sorghum was once a thriving crop in South Africa, but over time, it fell out of favour due to changing value chain demands. With bioeconomy, this indigenous grain holds immense potential not only for strengthening food security but also to unlock new opportunities for growth and job creation. The Swiss Federal Office of Agriculture, the Global Crop Diversity Trust, and the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources hosted a discussion on plant genetic resources on the sidelines of the #WEF2025 in Davos, where the minister participated as a panellist. #GovZAUpdates

President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the G20 High-Level Strategy Session during the World Economic Forum at Kurpark Village, Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The platform brought together International Business Council members and special guests to explore opportunities for collaboration under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. As part of the President's delegation, National Department of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen was in attendance, demonstrating South Africa's commitment to food security, agricultural innovation, and fostering stronger international partnerships in line with the G20 objectives. #WEF #saindavos2025 #GovZAUpdates

[Media Release📃] Alert on the detection of Goss’s Wilt (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis) on maize in South Africa. More here: 🔗https://lnkd.in/dafXX-WG

[Media Release 📃] Alert on the detection of Bud rot of palms (Phytophthora palmivora) in South Africa. More here: 🔗https://lnkd.in/dtiNTCMj