The 2025/26 Budget Vote Speech delivered by Minister of Agriculture, Honourable John Steenhuisen, was more than just a financial report—it was a bold vision for transforming South African agriculture. Presented in Parliament on 8 July 2025, the Minister’s address laid out a clear roadmap to reposition agriculture as a resilient, competitive, and inclusive driver of the economy.
With agriculture now operating as a standalone department following its separation from Land Reform and Rural Development, the speech signalled a fresh focus on intentional and results-driven policy. Steenhuisen’s seven strategic priorities—including biosecurity, food security, market access, and youth inclusion—present a coherent plan to future-proof the sector.
Biosecurity: A National Priority
The Minister placed strong emphasis on biosecurity, framing it not just as a technical issue but as a national infrastructure concern—on par with electricity and water. Past outbreaks like the 2023 bird flu and the current foot-and-mouth disease crisis have exposed deep vulnerabilities in the system.
To address this, the Department is launching a National Biosecurity Compact, establishing a Biosecurity Council, and deploying 50 new animal health technicians to support vaccination and containment. Partnerships with institutions like the University of Pretoria are being strengthened to enhance surveillance and response capacity. The message is clear: preparedness must replace panic.
Tackling Hunger with Home-Grown Solutions
One of the most urgent themes in the speech was food security. Only 36.5% of households in South Africa are currently food secure, and nearly one in five face severe hunger. Steenhuisen’s response includes the rollout of the 2024–2029 National Food and Nutrition Security Plan, developed in collaboration with other government departments.
Localised efforts such as school gardens, home food production, and community food hubs are being expanded. The Department is also promoting indigenous and underutilised crops like amaranth, African leafy vegetables, and bambara groundnuts—plants well suited to local climates and cultural diets. This approach blends nutrition with resilience.
Growing Farmers, Growing the Economy
The budget speech also highlighted the role of education and youth development. Over 66,000 farmers have been trained, and more than 3,000 agricultural graduates have been placed in internships. Agricultural colleges are being integrated into the higher education system to serve as centres of excellence.
With youth at the centre of the strategy, the Department is opening new pathways into veterinary science, agri-tech, and on-farm learning. Steenhuisen made it clear: the next generation of farmers must be data-savvy, climate-conscious, and innovation-driven.
Trade and Technology on the Move
Agriculture’s export record—R258 billion in 2024—speaks volumes. But Steenhuisen warned that global markets won’t wait. A new Market Access Strategy is in development, targeting Asia and the Middle East, while defending existing trade agreements like AGOA and the EPA.
New technologies, including a livestock track-and-trace system, will bolster export credibility and curb stock theft. The expansion of the Blended Finance Scheme, with dedicated windows for youth and women, is another nod to inclusive growth.
Shifting Gears from Control to Collaboration
Steenhuisen’s message was refreshingly pragmatic: government doesn’t need to do everything. Instead, creating a strong policy environment and working in partnership with organised industry bodies is the more effective route. From commodity groups like GrainSA to the Citrus Growers’ Association, public-private partnerships are seen as the engine of growth.
Looking Ahead: Agriculture That Works for All
The speech concluded with a rallying call to build a sector that is youth-led, science-based, and community-rooted. Institutions like the Agricultural Research Council and Onderstepoort must be accountable and results-driven.
As the Minister invoked the words of Nelson Mandela, reminding us that after climbing one great hill, we find many more ahead, it was clear: the climb continues. But with the right tools, teamwork, and tenacity, South African agriculture is well-positioned to reach the summit.
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