Somerset West, South Africa – South Africa and Brazil have signed a landmark Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to deepen cooperation in agriculture, aiming to leverage their combined strengths in sustainable food production and trade. The non-binding agreement, signed by South African Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz De Alcantara Rua, on the sidelines of the G20 Agriculture Working Group, sets the stage for a new era of bilateral collaboration.

The deal, which will be in force for five years, focuses on a range of priority areas, including the exchange of information and expertise, technical training, and joint research. A key objective is to share best practices in sustainable agriculture and livestock farming to enhance food security and ensure product quality and safety.

The partnership also seeks to bolster trade, which has seen significant growth in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, bilateral agricultural trade between the two countries surged by 80.5% to R9.7 billion. South Africa’s exports to Brazil climbed by 92.8% to R274.9 million, driven by products such as vegetable seeds, liqueurs, and wine. Meanwhile, imports from Brazil grew by 80.2% to R9.5 billion.

A Joint Working Group will be established to oversee the implementation of the MoI, focusing on strategic trade facilitation through missions and exhibitions. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to confronting global agricultural challenges and building more resilient food systems.