SA and Brazil Seal Agricultural Pact to Boost Trade, Innovation and Food Security

South Africa and Brazil have taken a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations in agriculture, with the signing of a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) that will drive cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth in the sector.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the G20 Agriculture Working Group (AWG) Ministerial Meeting currently underway in Somerset West, Western Cape. South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and Brazil’s Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Luiz De Alcantara Rua, formalized the pact, hailing it as a milestone for food security and trade.

A Vision for Shared Growth

Minister Steenhuisen described the MoI as more than a diplomatic formality. “This is a testament to our shared vision for a food-secure future. By combining our respective strengths, we can unlock new opportunities, advance technological innovation, and build a more resilient agricultural sector that benefits all our citizens,” he said.

The agreement, while non-binding, establishes a framework for mutual cooperation and development in areas critical to agricultural growth. It emphasizes sustainability, knowledge-sharing, and trade facilitation, all of which are key to strengthening the sector’s resilience against global challenges such as climate change and market volatility.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The MoI outlines an ambitious agenda that will include:

• Exchange of information and expertise across agricultural disciplines.

• Technical tours and training programmes to build capacity.

• Joint conferences and seminars to encourage collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders.

• Knowledge-sharing in sustainable agriculture and livestock farming, including quality assurance and food safety standards.

• Strategic trade facilitation, including trade missions and exhibitions to expand market access for agricultural products.

A Joint Working Group will be established to oversee implementation, identifying priority areas and preparing detailed work plans. This body will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluation to ensure the cooperation remains aligned with the strategic goals of both nations.

Expanding Trade Ties

The MoI comes against the backdrop of steadily expanding agricultural trade relations between South Africa and Brazil. Bilateral trade has surged from R5.4 billion in 2020 to R9.7 billion in 2024, marking an 80.5% increase over four years.

South Africa’s agricultural exports to Brazil rose by 92.8%, from R142.6 million in 2020 to R274.9 million in 2024. Imports from Brazil also grew substantially, climbing 80.2% from R5.2 billion to R9.5 billion in the same period.

South Africa’s top ten exports to Brazil accounted for more than 92% of the total trade, with notable products including:

• Vegetable seeds for sowing – 32.3% (R88.7 million)

• Liqueurs and cordials – 22.7% (R62.4 million)

• Wine of fresh grapes – 16% (R43.9 million)

• Dried grapes – 6.3% (R17.3 million)

Long-Term Commitment

The MoI will remain in effect for five years, with automatic renewal for subsequent five-year periods unless terminated by either party. This long-term approach ensures that the partnership will evolve with emerging challenges and opportunities in the global agricultural landscape.

For both South Africa and Brazil, the agreement reinforces their shared role as influential agricultural producers and exporters in the Global South. By pooling expertise and promoting innovation, the two nations aim to enhance food security, create new trade opportunities, and strengthen livelihoods in rural communities.

Building Resilient Agriculture

Beyond trade, the agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate adaptation, water use efficiency, and sustainable farming practices. Both countries have pledged to ensure that cooperation leads to inclusive growth that benefits farmers, consumers, and future generations.

“This partnership is about building resilience – for our farmers, for our economies, and for our people,” Steenhuisen concluded, stressing the need for agriculture to remain at the heart of development and cooperation efforts.