Monday, 27 January 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill, a landmark step aimed at safeguarding agricultural land for sustainable food production and supporting economic growth through the agricultural sector.

The new law establishes a national policy and regulatory framework to ensure the sustainable management and use of natural resources for agricultural purposes. It aims to protect agricultural land, maintain its productive viability, and promote its optimal use to support long-term food security.

By creating an enabling environment for agricultural development, the legislation supports greater contributions by the sector to economic growth.

A key provision of the law involves the development of provincial agricultural sector plans, designed to coordinate and align land use policies and strategies to sustain agricultural activities and ensure the preservation of vital farming environments.

This legislation underscores the government’s commitment to balancing economic development with responsible land use and environmental sustainability.