Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agriculture Business Forum is one of the most dynamic agricultural partnerships between South Africa and a leading European agricultural nation.

He was speaking on the first day of the forum in Cape Town.

Agriculture stakeholders will discuss improved cooperation and sharing of knowledge, among others, over the two days.

Steenhuisen explains what the forum aims to achieve.

“It is about bringing together the people, ideas, technologies and investments that can help both our countries unlock greater value from agriculture, create jobs, strengthen food security and build more resilient rural economies. The future of agriculture will belong to those who embrace innovation, deepen cooperation and create value across entire supply chains. South Africa and Italy have an opportunity to do exactly that.”

Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Agricultural Cooperation with my Italian counterpart, H.E. Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry. 🇿🇦🤝🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/FNF7HeBElT

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) June 9, 2026

Watch 🎥 | #SAItalyAgriForum🇿🇦🇮🇹
Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, is delivering the keynote address at the South Africa–Italy Agriculture Business Forum, currently underway in Cape Town.

The forum is held under the theme:… pic.twitter.com/bQRnVZIjN6

— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) June 9, 2026

As It Happens | #SAItalyAgriForum🇿🇦🇮🇹
Minister John Steenhuisen is delivering the keynote address at the South Africa–Italy Agriculture Business Forum, currently underway in Cape Town.

The forum is creating new opportunities for the agricultural sectors of both countries through… pic.twitter.com/NFfU1aXl5I

— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) June 9, 2026