South Africa’s presidency of the G20 comes to an end in November this year, when the G20 Leaders’ Summit takes place in Johannesburg. Until then, the Department of Agriculture will strive to achieve specific objectives, says John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture. Steenhuisen was one of the speakers at a G20 dialogue session held in Cape Town in August. This session dealt with how G20 policies can be used to unlock market access for the agricultural sector.

By Michelle van der Spuy, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

According to Steenhuisen, inclusive market participation, the empowerment of women and youth, technology and innovation transfer, as well as climate resilience, were set as the Agriculture Working Group’s most important priorities at the beginning of South Africa’s presidency in December last year.

According to him, the agricultural sector benefits in the following ways, thanks to the progress that has since been made with these priorities:

Market access and trade facilitation. “The G20’s emphasis on scientific measures, transparency, and cooperation on standards is good news for exporters – from fruits and wine to grain and animal products. This supports the work we do to reduce technical barriers, modernise certification, and keep supply chains open.”
Practical tools for climate resilience. “The outcomes of the G20’s Chief Agricultural Scientists’ meeting promote practical innovation: water-smart irrigation, drought-resistant genetics, and digitalised advisory systems. For a farmer in the North West or Karoo who must make decisions regarding cultivar choice, planting times, and risk management, this means less theory and more usable information.”
Food affordability and safety. “The food security task force prioritises early warnings and targeted support. This aligns with our efforts to use data to anticipate shocks, coordinate responses to them, and protect poor households when prices rise sharply.”
Inclusivity as a growth strategy. “During our presidency, we focused on women, youth, and small farmers, not as a moral afterthought, but as a matter of competitiveness. Inclusive participation expands our producer base, strengthens rural economies, and promotes value chain resilience. This is how we transform policy into output, make more hectares productive, and put more South African products on shelves worldwide.”

Also read: Smallholder farmers’ participation crucial in G20 agricultural discussions

On The Agenda Until November

From now until the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, the focus will be on transforming these outcomes into national action in collaboration with the agricultural sector’s partners across government and various industries.

According to Steenhuisen, the sector’s trade readiness will be promoted by aligning sanitary and phytosanitary systems and digital certification with international best practices, thereby promoting market access.

“This ensures faster, clearer channels for our exporters without compromising biosecurity.”

The flow of climate-smart research to producers, especially small and emerging farmers who need practical tools, will also be accelerated.

According to Steenhuisen, data utilisation will also be strengthened so that faster action can be taken when price shocks occur.

Also read: G20 agriculture ministers called to support chief scientists’ recommendations

Furthermore, the G20 platform will continue to be used to connect global financing with local opportunities such as irrigation modernisation and cold chain upgrades, among others.

“As we get closer to the Leaders’ Summit in November, our goal is to achieve an ambitious, practical package that will help the world feed itself more affordably and sustainably, as well as to help South Africa grow through more trade, less waste, and faster adaptation.

“The summit in Johannesburg will not just be about big words. It will be about practical things that our farmers, businesses, and financiers can apply.

“Along with this, a legacy must be left. For South Africa, this means utilising the G20 presidency to strengthen a fairer multilateral trading system at the World Trade Organization – one that restores predictability, protects the flexibility of developing countries, and reins in subsidies and measures that distort agricultural trade.

“A level playing field is not charity. It ensures that our farmers compete on fair terms, that markets remain open, and that agriculture continues to drive food security and sustain the livelihoods of rural communities across the developing world.”