South Africa’s Horticulture Sector Strengthened by Biosecurity, Finance and Innovation

South Africa’s horticulture sector has emerged as one of the country’s most successful agricultural industries, expanding by more than 120,000 hectares over the past decade. Exports are projected to grow by 25% by 2034, reflecting the sector’s growing significance in local and international markets. However, with growth comes risk, particularly from biosecurity threats such as fruit flies, citrus greening, and false codling moth, which jeopardize orchards, market access, food safety, and the reputation of South African produce.

At AgriSA’s #ATLASCongress2025, industry leaders, including Fruit SA, Subtrop SA, SAMAC, Nedbank, Hollard Insurance, and ZZ2, highlighted the strategies needed to safeguard horticulture production and maintain competitiveness.

Experts stressed the importance of phytosanitary systems and rapid response plans. Early detection and recovery strategies are essential when new pests are identified. Comprehensive communication ensures farmers are informed of the steps they must take to protect their farms. Collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial, as biosecurity is a shared responsibility—what affects one farm can impact the entire sector.

Nedbank underlined its support for farmers investing in on-farm biosecurity infrastructure, enabling producers to implement monitoring systems, secure storage, and preventive measures. ZZ2 showcased how innovation and scale can coexist sustainably, integrating advanced pest management and data-driven farming practices while maintaining environmental stewardship.

Hollard Insurance emphasized that insurance is a useful tool to hedge against financial risk but cannot replace responsible farm management. Poor practices cannot be insured, making proactive biosecurity essential for preventing outbreaks and protecting market access.

Industry leaders agreed that biosecurity should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost. Protecting crops strengthens livelihoods, secures export markets, and enhances South Africa’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality fruit.

By combining finance, innovation, strategic risk management, and collective responsibility, South Africa’s horticulture sector can continue to grow sustainably while safeguarding its competitiveness and resilience in the face of biosecurity challenges.