On 12 May 2022 the South African Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, presented her annual budget vote in the Parliament. She indicated that for 2022/23, her department is allocated R17.3 billion.
Other highlights include:
- The success of SA-NL collaboration in developing an e-certification system;
- Despite COVID-19 the industry grew by 13.4% in 2020 and 8.3% in 2021;
- The Russia-Ukraine war is a threat to the country’s agri-sector since the two countries are major exporters of grain, oilseeds, fertilizers and crude oil;
- The Department is seeking to strengthen agri-industry through the Agriculture Agro-processing Master Plan which she signed on 12 May 2022;
- The need to pay attention to pest and disease outbreaks, especially in light of Foot and Mouth Disease which is currently attacking livestock in some parts of the country;
- After opening up the application of hemp permits in 2021, 31 permits have been issued; and
- R400 million has been transferred to the Industrial Development Cooperation as part blended finance for agriculture.
Detailed budget vote can be read here: MINISTER SPEECH 2022 budget vote.pdf (dalrrd.gov.za)