The signing of the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa has been welcomed by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen. This bill aims to support long-term food production and assist the Department in creating more jobs and growing the economy.
The need for this legislation arose due to the alarming rate at which valuable agricultural land was being lost for residential and mining purposes since the 2000s. Currently, less than 13% of South Africa’s 122 million hectares of land is considered high potential agriculture land. Minister Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of improving food security as one of the Department’s strategic priorities. He stated, “We want to create an environment for agriculture to prosper and ensure the sector creates much-needed jobs and food security. The ability to protect and preserve high potential agriculture land is essential to achieve this goal.”
To ensure the effective implementation of the bill, an advisory committee will be established with a maximum of ten members. This committee will provide guidance on achieving the objectives of the Act and address any other matters related to the preservation and sustainable development of agricultural land.
The legislation also highlights the necessity of a national regulatory framework to coordinate the preservation and development of agricultural land proactively. This framework aims to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural land, minimize land loss, promote viable farming units, encourage optimal land use, and ensure food security.
In conclusion, the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill is a significant step towards safeguarding valuable agricultural land in South Africa. By enacting this legislation, the government aims to protect food production, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the agricultural sector.
This article was distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development in the Republic of South Africa.
