Browse Data and Analysis

South Africa has a robust and experienced regulatory system for genetically engineered (GE) products, which started with the publication of its “GMO” Act in 1997. Today, South Africa is among the top-10 largest producers of GE crops in the world and by far the largest in Africa.

The production of apples, pears and table grapes is forecast to continue its growth in the 2021/22 MY, based on normal weather conditions, new areas coming into production and high yielding varieties.

On October 27, 2021, South Africa, through a public notice, announced its regulatory approach for New Breeding Techniques.

After last season’s second consecutive bumper corn crop, the positive outlook for the South African grain industry will continue in the 2021/22 MY as evidenced by a 30 percent upsurge in tractor sales and the intention of commercial producers to maintain a corn area of 2.7 million hectares.

Post forecasts that sugar cane production in Zimbabwe will decrease by five percent to 3,180 Million MT in the 2016/17 MY.

The impact of the 2015 drought is expected to continue in the 2016/17 MY.

Tralac held its annual conference in Swakopmund, Namibia on April 7 – 8, 2016. The conference highlighted the importance and challenges for rules based governance, and growing Intra-Africa Trade.

Due to an extreme drought oilseed production in South Africa is expected to decrease by 20 percent in the 2015/16 MY to 1.4 million tons.