Steenhuisen denies collapse of pesticide and farm feed registration system
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has rubbished claims that South Africa’s system for registering pesticides
Image: File Phando Jikelo / Parliament of RSA
Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has rubbished claims that South Africa’s system for registering pesticides, fertilisers, and farm feeds is in “collapse.”
This comes after the national farmers’ network, Saai, raised alarm over what it described as years-long delays in processing applications for critical agricultural inputs, warning that the backlog was threatening food security and animal health.
"While acknowledging that delays occur, the department firmly denies that the regulatory system has a stage of collapse." Steenhuisen noted.
"We take note that a narrative is being driven regarding “persistent collapse”, and that nothing is being done to address the situation. We have also noted the Letter of Demand from the attorneys of SAAI, in which various hyperbolic references are made, which are regrettable".
The minister added that the department has processed 6,617 applications in the 2024/25 financial year and, over the past five years, has finalised 51,165 applications out of 56,890 received. The Minister said the department has also launched a new online system that allows applicants to submit and track their applications electronically.
"This system allows applicants to electronically submit applications and register their products online, track the status of applications in real time and receive feedback, as well as generate reports like lists of registered pesticides which are available for public viewing".
The Minister said the department is also strengthening internal capacity to ensure faster technical evaluations. “We are prioritising the hiring of key scientific staff and using additional resources to support the review process,” he added.'
He stressed that the digital system will improve accountability and transparency.
“Applicants will now have real-time updates on their applications, helping both the department and industry manage the process more efficiently,” Minister Steenhuisen said.
The department confirmed that the current backlog of 5,730 applications is being actively addressed. Most of these are awaiting technical evaluation, and delays are largely due to increasing industry demand, incomplete submissions, and the need for detailed assessments.
It also said manual submissions for pesticides will no longer be accepted from April 2026, with the digital system rollout expanding to other regulated inputs in due course.
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