South Africa is stepping up its fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), with more than 23 million vaccine doses imported as the government and the agricultural sector work to protect livestock, stabilise supply chains and safeguard export markets.
Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp said the progress demonstrated the value of closer cooperation between government and organised agriculture, particularly as the sector faces disease outbreaks, regulatory challenges and the need to expand international trade.
Speaking at the TLU SA Congress on Wednesday in Pretoria, Aucamp said stronger government-industry partnerships could unlock significant economic opportunities for South African agriculture.
“When the government and industry work together as real partners, we unlock incredible potential,” Aucamp said, highlighting the need to reduce unnecessary red tape, streamline regulations and open new export markets.
The minister said government policy must respond directly to the practical needs of farmers and agribusinesses to create greater stability across the agricultural value chain.
A major focus is the country's FMD response, which has seen the government and private sector work together to secure vaccine supplies.
Aucamp said vaccination of cattle was progressing across all provinces and that every commercial dairy cow in South Africa had received a first vaccine dose — more than 1.38 million animals.
“Second-round booster vaccinations are now being distributed, while the government has also created a legal mechanism allowing farmers to vaccinate their own herds,”he said.
Aucamp added more than 1,000 farmers have registered through the Department of Agriculture's online system to become authorised persons able to vaccinate their cattle.
“Farmers can also make use of approved private-sector platforms operated by organisations including Red Meat Industry Services, the Southern African Agri Initiative and Buffalo Analytics,” he said.
Aucamp urged farmers with the capacity to vaccinate their herds to act proactively, saying the government should not become a bottleneck in animal healthcare.
“The FMD response has significant implications for South Africa's meat and dairy industries, where animal health is closely linked to market access, production continuity and export earnings.”
The government is also working to keep export channels open as it seeks to expand South Africa's agricultural trade footprint.
Aucamp said that the deadline for farms and feedlots supplying red meat to the United Arab Emirates has been extended. “Farms and abattoirs now have until 31 December 2026 to complete registration.”
The extension, he said, would prevent sudden disruptions to the export pipeline while State Veterinarian inspections are being processed.
For agricultural businesses, maintaining access to international markets is critical as producers seek to diversify revenue streams and reduce their reliance on domestic demand.
Aucamp said South Africa must continue expanding existing trade routes while creating new commercial opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
The minister also placed rural security firmly on the agricultural agenda, warning that farm crime has implications extending beyond individual victims to food security, rural economic stability and agricultural production.
He said farm attacks should be classified as priority crimes and confirmed that he had engaged Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson Ian Cameron on the issue.
Aucamp said he and Cameron would table a revamped Rural Safety Plan early next year, while calling for stronger State policing and dedicated capacity in rural areas.
At the same time, he urged farmers to strengthen their own security measures through local farm-watch structures, communication networks, early-warning technology and controlled access to properties.
Aucamp's message to the agricultural sector was that stronger animal-health systems, secure farms and expanded export access must work together to create a more resilient industry.
“With food secure families, healthy herds, expanded trade and protected land, South African agriculture will thrive,” he said.
yogashen.pillay@nationalmg.co.za