South Africa’s agricultural sector has surged to a gross value of R501 billion, with poultry meat maintaining its position as the country’s most valuable agricultural industry.
By Charmain Lines
The Department of Agriculture has released its latest statistics on the gross value of agricultural products, covering the period from 2013 to 2025. The data highlights strong growth across the sector, with significant gains recorded over the past 12 years.
The standout performer remains the poultry meat industry, which continues to dominate as the single biggest and most valuable sector in South African agriculture. Between 2013 and 2025, the industry expanded by more than R2 billion, reaching a total value of R74.4 billion.
Maize follows closely behind as the second-largest sector, with a value of R70.6 billion. Slaughtered cattle ranks third, contributing R49.7 billion to the agricultural economy.
The egg industry has also shown steady growth, increasing from R15.8 billion in 2024 to R16.9 billion in 2025.
Overall, South Africa’s agricultural sector has experienced remarkable expansion, with its gross value rising from R193.3 billion in 2013 to R501 billion in 2025, underscoring the sector’s growing importance to the national economy.
Source:
From the Poultry Bulletin, Issue 31, April/May 2026
(Official magazine of the South African Poultry Association)
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