Plant Health Bill
By Nkosana Khumalo
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the signing of the Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Act, 2024 (Act No. 35 of 2024) into law, a move aimed at enhancing agricultural trade and strengthening South Africa’s biosecurity.
The new law, which repeals the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983), was officially assented to by President Cyril Ramaphosa last Thursday. It introduces a more comprehensive phytosanitary framework to prevent the introduction, spread, and establishment of regulated pests in the country while improving the control of plant-related threats.
A Modern Approach to Plant Protection
The Plant Health Act provides a robust regulatory framework that aligns South Africa’s plant health standards with international trade agreements and biosecurity protocols. It introduces stronger regulations for the movement of plants, plant products, and other regulated articles into, within, and out of the country.
Steenhuisen emphasized that the new law was a necessary update to address shortcomings in the previous legislation, particularly in aligning with constitutional mandates, international trade requirements, and South Africa’s commitments under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Among the significant changes brought about by the new Act are:
• The establishment of the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa (NPPOZA) to oversee plant health regulations and pest management.
• The development of regulations to facilitate plant exports, transit, and re-export processes.
• The establishment of pest-free areas and regions with low pest prevalence, a requirement under international agreements to which South Africa is a signatory.
• Greater collaboration between all spheres of government to enhance biosecurity and pest control measures.
Safeguarding Agriculture and Enhancing Trade
Steenhuisen underscored that the law serves as a critical biosecurity measure that will protect South Africa’s agriculture sector from damaging plant pests and diseases. The Act provides an effective phytosanitary regulatory system needed to boost agricultural trade, expand market access, and support the sustainable growth of the sector.
“It therefore aims to support the South African Government’s objectives and priorities, such as sustainable management and use of natural resources, the provision of effective national regulatory services and risk management systems, as well as increased contribution of the sector to the country’s economic growth, job creation, and food security,” Steenhuisen stated on Monday.
With South Africa’s economy heavily reliant on agriculture, the enhanced phytosanitary standards will strengthen existing trade partnerships and open doors for new markets. The Act is expected to:
• Ensure the protection of natural resources by preventing plant diseases from spreading.
• Provide farmers and exporters with better access to international markets by aligning with global phytosanitary standards.
• Increase the competitiveness of South African agricultural products in the global trade market.
Strengthening South Africa’s Global Position
The Plant Health Act is set to position South Africa as a key player in global agricultural trade, ensuring better coordination in pest surveillance, preparedness, and prevention systems. By aligning with international best practices, the country will be able to expand its exports of plants and plant products while protecting domestic agricultural production.
“This Act will contribute to our capacity to maintain existing markets and open up new export opportunities for plants and plant products. It will have a positive impact on the South African economy, enhancing our ability to compete globally,” Steenhuisen said.
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