Thandoluhle Ngcobo2 January 2025 | 6:55

SA agricultural body stresses importance of local exporters adhering to Europe's new sustainability standards

South African agriculture has seen a growth rate of 51% in its exports with the union in 2023.

SA agricultural body stresses importance of local exporters adhering to Europe's new sustainability standards

Picture: DJI-Agras from Pixabay

CAPE TOWN - The National Agriculture Marketing Council is stressing the importance of local exporters adhering to the European Union's new sustainability standards.

South African agriculture has seen a growth rate of 51% in its exports with the union in 2023.

But the council’s spokesperson Mashao Mohale says some shifts must be made for traders to meet demands.

“South Africa's agricultural export dynamics to the European countries are poised to undergo significant shifts due to the stringent environmental and sustainability requirements under the EU Green Deal.”

At the same time, Botswana has recently lifted a ban on import restrictions on vegetables from South Africa to Botswana is being seen as a positive step towards intra-Africa trade.

The newly-elected government of Botswana said that the process to lift the ban would be separated in two phases.

SA farmers have since welcomed the lifting of restrictions to export fresh produce to Botswana.