Agriculture Minister Proposes Biosecurity Compact to Safeguard SA’s Food Systems

Pretoria: Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has proposed the development of a National Biosecurity Compact-a shared commitment between government, industry, academia, and civil society to strengthen South Africa's preparedness and resilience against biological threats. Speaking at the National Biosecurity Summit 2025, held at the University of Pretoria's Hatfield Campus on Tuesday, Steenhuisen outlined the objectives of the proposed compact, which aims to coordinate national responses to animal and plant health risks. According to South African Government News Agency, the compact is set to define baseline vaccine stock levels, clarify roles and responsibilities during outbreaks, embed data-sharing mechanisms and institutional partnerships like the Biosecurity Hub, and provide a framework for coordinated, credible, and timely responses. Steenhuisen emphasized that the initiative is not solely about risk defense but also about enabling growth. He highlighted that export markets require sanitary and phyto sanitary compliance and demand evidence of control, traceability, and institutional readiness. Steenhuisen pointed out that strengthening biosecurity systems opens doors to new trade opportunities, safeguards jobs, and boosts investor confidence in South African agriculture. He stated, "Biosecurity is not a 'nice-to-have'; it is as fundamental to national stability as clean water, reliable electricity, or functioning roads. When it works, farmers prosper, food remains affordable, and our exports flourish. When it fails, the consequences are steep-economically, socially, and politically. We have the tools [and] the institutions, and now, we have the momentum." The Minister also highlighted one of the country's significant structural weaknesses: vaccine production. He noted operational backlogs and infrastructure limitations at Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), the country's primary vaccine producer. Steenhuisen declared, "We cannot afford to repeat the failures of the past. Vaccines are not a luxury-t hey are the first line of defence in any biosecurity system, and we will hold OBP accountable." To address these challenges, Steenhuisen announced quarterly performance reviews, independent oversight, and active investigations into diversification options to reduce dependence on a single supplier. The Minister also addressed concerns about the critical shortage of veterinarians, particularly in the poultry industry and rural areas. He stated, "Nationally, we require 400 veterinarians. We currently have around 70 in the public system." To close this gap, the department is expanding vet training posts, creating rural internship opportunities, and building regional partnerships. "Through the Biosecurity Hub, we are also mapping career pathways to attract a new generation of animal health professionals," he added. The Biosecurity Hub, launched in October 2022, is a joint initiative between the Department of Agriculture, then Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and Department of Science Technology and Innovation. It is an innovative platform designed to foster collaboration, enhance information sharing, and strengthen collective capacity to respond to biological threats, not only for South Africa but potentially across the continent.