South Africa’s agricultural exports to the European Union (EU) represent a significant portion of the country’s trade, with the EU accounting for approximately 27% of South Africa’s total agricultural exports. In 2023 alone, citrus exports to the EU exceeded R20 billion, making the bloc a critical market for local producers. However, the introduction of stricter EU requirements for sustainability and compliance poses significant challenges for these exports. Against this backdrop, Minister of Agriculture and Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has taken proactive steps to strengthen ties with Germany, a key European partner, to navigate these challenges.
South Africa’s Strategic Partnership with Germany
In December 2024, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two nations. Agriculture and trade were central to their discussions, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of deepening bilateral ties.
Steenhuisen described Germany as a “strategic partner” for South Africa, particularly in agriculture. He highlighted the upcoming Green Week Global Food and Agriculture Conference in Germany, where South African agricultural products will be showcased to potential buyers and investors.
The partnership also aims to foster knowledge sharing between the two nations. Steenhuisen announced plans for South African agricultural colleges to collaborate with German universities to provide specialized training for young agro-ecologists and farm workers. These efforts aim to upskill the workforce and equip them with the expertise needed to meet EU sustainability standards.
Why Stricter Requirements Are Coming for South African Agricultural Exports
The EU has implemented rigorous sustainability and food safety regulations under its Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy. These initiatives are part of Europe’s commitment to combat climate change and promote sustainable agriculture. For South African exporters, this has led to several challenges:
- Deforestation-Free Certification: Products such as citrus must now meet stringent requirements proving they are not linked to deforestation.
- Tougher Pest Control Measures: The EU mandates zero tolerance for pests like the false codling moth, which frequently affects South African citrus exports.
- Eco-Labeling and Traceability: Exporters must demonstrate compliance with environmental and sustainability standards through certification and labelling systems.
While these regulations aim to promote sustainability, they disproportionately impact exporters in developing nations like South Africa. Compliance often requires costly adjustments to farming practices and supply chains, adding financial pressure to local producers.
Addressing the Challenges
Minister Steenhuisen has been vocal about South Africa’s concerns regarding EU trade barriers. During his meeting with President Steinmeier, Steenhuisen discussed the World Trade Organization (WTO) case South Africa is pursuing against the EU’s citrus regulations. He described these measures as unfair and argued they create unnecessary trade barriers, limiting South African producers’ access to European markets.
To address these challenges, Steenhuisen has focused on modernization and education within the agriculture sector. He has advocated for using agricultural colleges as hubs for skills development, enabling young people to enter the industry with the knowledge required to meet international standards.
Germany’s Role in Supporting South Africa
Germany remains a critical trading partner for South Africa, particularly in agriculture. South African wines, citrus, and other produce are popular in the German market, which provides an essential source of export revenue. Additionally, Germany’s agricultural universities and research institutions offer expertise in sustainable farming practices, which could benefit South African producers striving to meet EU requirements.
Steenhuisen’s emphasis on collaboration with Germany reflects his broader vision for strengthening South Africa’s agricultural sector. He has prioritized partnerships and international cooperation as tools for overcoming export challenges and ensuring long-term growth.
While stricter EU regulations create hurdles for South African agricultural exports, they also present an opportunity for growth and modernization. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen’s efforts to strengthen ties with Germany highlight the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing these challenges. By investing in education, sustainability, and trade relations, South Africa is positioning itself to adapt to evolving global markets and secure its agricultural future.
As Steenhuisen aptly put it, “Good relations with trading partners are essential for our success—and we are committed to building them.”