Minister John Steenhuisen Appoints Technical Advisors to Fast Track Agricultural Input Approvals in South Africa

South Africa is taking decisive steps to improve the efficiency of its agricultural regulatory systems. The appointment of 27 external technical advisors by John Steenhuisen marks a focused effort to address delays in processing high volumes of applications within the sector. These applications fall under the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947, a critical law that governs the safety and effectiveness of key agricultural inputs. Farmers, suppliers and manufacturers rely on timely approvals to operate efficiently and remain competitive. Delays in approvals can disrupt planting cycles, increase costs and limit access to essential products. By strengthening the Registrar’s capacity, the Department of Agriculture aims to create a more responsive system that supports both productivity and compliance. This move signals a clear intention to balance speed with strict regulatory oversight.

The Department of Agriculture plays a central role in protecting both the farming sector and the public. It ensures that products such as fertilisers, animal feeds, pesticides and stock remedies meet strict safety and quality standards before they enter the market. Each application requires detailed technical evaluation to confirm that the product is effective and does not pose risks to human health, animals or the environment. This process is complex and time intensive, especially as the volume of applications continues to grow. Without adequate capacity, backlogs can build quickly, slowing down the entire supply chain. The introduction of external technical advisors is designed to strengthen this evaluation process without compromising standards. These specialists bring targeted expertise that complements the department’s internal resources.

The selection process for these advisors was structured and competitive. Following a public call for experts in January 2026, the department received 46 applications from qualified professionals across various disciplines. After a rigorous review, 27 individuals were selected based on their technical skills and industry experience. The group includes ten specialists in agricultural remedies, ten in stock remedies, six in farm feeds and one in fertilisers. This distribution reflects the areas with the highest demand for technical evaluation. Each advisor will focus on reviewing data, assessing product performance and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Their role is not administrative but highly technical, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the approval process.

These appointments are set for an initial period of three years, with the option to extend for an additional two years. This timeframe allows the department to address current backlogs while also building a more sustainable workflow for future applications. Faster turnaround times will benefit the entire agricultural value chain, from input suppliers to farmers and ultimately consumers. When approvals are processed efficiently, new and improved products can reach the market sooner. This supports innovation and helps farmers adopt better tools to increase yields and manage risks. At the same time, strict evaluation ensures that only safe and effective products are approved. This dual focus on speed and quality is essential for long-term sector growth.

The decision to bring in external expertise reflects a practical approach to public sector challenges. Instead of overburdening existing staff, the department is leveraging specialized knowledge to improve performance. This model allows for flexibility and scalability, especially during periods of high demand. It also strengthens collaboration between government and industry professionals. By working together, both sides can ensure that regulatory processes remain relevant and efficient. The involvement of independent experts adds an extra layer of credibility to the evaluation process. This builds trust among stakeholders who depend on transparent and consistent decision-making.

The appointment of these technical advisors represents a strategic step toward modernizing agricultural regulation in South Africa. It addresses immediate operational challenges while laying the groundwork for improved service delivery. Under the leadership of Minister John Steenhuisen, the Department of Agriculture is showing a clear commitment to efficiency, safety and industry support. Faster processing times will help reduce bottlenecks and improve access to essential agricultural inputs. At the same time, strict adherence to safety standards ensures that public health and environmental protection remain priorities. This balanced approach strengthens the agricultural sector and supports sustainable growth.