Department Of Agriculture
latest news & developments
Ramaphosa declares foot-and-mouth outbreak a national disaster
The president announced a mass vaccination drive of the country’s entire cattle herd as the government moves to limit economic damage, export bans and further losses to farmers
SA moves to ban deadly pesticide
Given the rate of deaths in 2023 and 2024, averaging one every second day, a delay of six months or more could mean up to another 100 deaths
New 10-year plan to combat foot-and-mouth disease
However, commercial farmers say that vaccine shortages and slow implementation are worsening a devastating crisis
John Steenhuisen: Agriculture
Agricultural exports and rural employment highlight Steenhuisen’s tenure, alongside ongoing disease and regulatory pressures
SANRAL must stop sabotaging engagement with the people of Amadiba
The government must require SANRAL to meet communities directly, conduct a genuine mid-term review, assess the inland route honestly and prioritise local road repair as the real…
No dignity in displacement: Tenure insecurity in the Winelands
The conditions of people who work and live in South Africa’s farms today have remained the same as under apartheid. Will the new amendments in legislation bring about change?
SA poultry industry slams US bird flu import concessions as risk to food security
The decision allowing America to lift or impose export bans during outbreaks ‘will be devastating’
SA’s agricultural export growth cools slightly in second quarter of 2024
Despite this drop, trade figures remain encouraging, but various departments need to address policy and other issues to boost exports
NSPCA uncovers thousands of dead fish at government-backed fish farm in Mpumalanga
Conditions were ‘atrocious’ and ‘appalling’
Agriculture sector welcomes Steenhuisen’s appointment as minister
The DA leader’s assumption of the post comes soon after the release of a survey showing a slump in agricultural business confidence but the sector is on a generally favourable…
Rise in animal diseases a global problem
South Africa must remain vigilant to prevent outbreaks which are costly to farmers and harm the export market
Entrepreneur’s sizzling amadumbe success uplifts women
A KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman has discovered a winning formula, making amadumbe crisps as well as cassava flour and porridge
SA’s cannabis growers may bloom
The production of cannabis and hemp for medicinal and industrial purposes finally gets a boost from the government
Court stops crossbreeding of wildlife like rhino, lion, giraffe
The listing of wild animals in the Animal Improvement Act would have had ‘catastrophic results’
Restaurants say ban on ‘meat’ names for veggie products is straining business
Although the ban has been temporarily interdicted, businesses dealing in meat analogue products have received no information from government on labelling specs