Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said on Tuesday that the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agriculture Business Forum being held in Cape Town marks the most dynamic agricultural partnerships between South Africa and a leading European agricultural nation.
South Africa and Italy are poised to strengthen agricultural cooperation as both countries look to unlock new opportunities in value-added production, technology transfer and food system resilience, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said on Tuesday.
Addressing delegates at the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agriculture Business Forum in Cape Town, Steenhuisen described the event as the beginning of one of the most dynamic agricultural partnerships between South Africa and a leading European agricultural nation.
He said agriculture has always been built on relationships — between farmers and markets, innovation and productivity, and countries that recognise the benefits of working together.
“Both countries want to produce more food using fewer resources. We want to strengthen rural economies and create jobs. We want to build resilient food systems capable of withstanding climate shocks, disease outbreaks and market disruptions.”
