Agriculture Budget Prioritises Growth, Exports and Farmer Support

Statement by Beyers Smit MP – DA Member on Agriculture Portfolio Committee:

The DA recognises groundbreaking Agricultural success in Minister Steenhuisen’s Budget Speech today, including that South Africa is now the world’s number one exporter of citrus fruits, overtaking Spain. South African Agriculture is winning, under Minister Steenhuisen.

South Africa’s citrus industry has now become the world’s top exporter. The country exported 2.9 million tons of citrus in 2025, surpassing long-standing leader Spain.

Minister Steenhuisen has also accelerated procurement drive in government’s war against Foot and Mouth Disease. The arrival of 2 million doses of the Dollvet vaccine from Turkey earlier this week, means the Department has now successfully coordinated the importation of 8 million vaccine doses since late February. Another 2 million from Turkey and 5 million doses from Argentina are expected to arrive shortly.

In addition, Minister Steenhuisen’s 2026/27 Budget Vote outlined a clear plan to position agriculture as a central driver of economic growth, export expansion and job creation in South Africa.

The agricultural sector continues to outperform expectations despite global and domestic pressures. Agricultural exports reached R268.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, with year-on-year growth of approximately 9% and a trade surplus of R24.6 billion. Across the value chain, the sector now supports close to 950,000 jobs.

Expanded access to the Chinese market following improved cold treatment protocols demonstrates the value of focused trade diplomacy and market expansion.

The allocation of R924 million toward Economic Development, Trade and Marketing will support further market access efforts, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and strengthen producer integration into higher-value markets.

This Budget reflects a practical growth-focused approach aimed at expanding exports, strengthening institutions, supporting farmers and deepening agricultural value chains to unlock jobs and investment across South Africa’s economy.