President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the Plant Health Bill into law, a significant step in strengthening South Africa’s biosecurity and protecting the country’s agricultural sector from plant pests that could threaten food security and export markets.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Thursday that the new law repeals the Agricultural Pests Act of 1983, which previously governed the country’s phytosanitary (plant health) system.
It introduces stricter measures to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of harmful plant pests, ensuring better protection for South Africa’s agriculture and natural plant resources.
“The new law responds to the concern that the introduction and spread of potentially damaging pests in South Africa could have a significantly negative impact on South African biosecurity, agricultural production and food security as well as on market access,” Magwenya said.
The Plant Health Act is expected to enhance South Africa’s compliance with international trade regulations, particularly the World Trade Organisation Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and the International Plant Protection Convention.
This alignment is expected to boost market access for South African agricultural exports, helping the country maintain existing trade relationships and enter new markets.
The legislation provides for the control and regulation of plant pests, along with the movement of plants, plant products and other regulated materials within and beyond South Africa’s borders.
Officials say these measures will help mitigate risks to food security, agricultural productivity and biodiversity.
By bolstering South Africa’s ability to manage plant health risks, the law is also expected to support job creation and the sustainable use of land and natural resources – key priorities for the agricultural sector.
JN/APA