South Africa and Italy Deepen Agricultural Trade Ties

Lollobrigida described the deal as a major achievement for Italy's fruit and vegetable industry, saying it recognizes the quality and competitiveness of Italian agricultural products.

South Africa and Italy have taken a significant step toward strengthening agricultural trade after finalizing a technical agreement that will allow Italian table grapes to enter the South African market.

The breakthrough was confirmed during a bilateral meeting between South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the inaugural South Africa–Italy Agribusiness Forum in Cape Town.

Held under the theme "South Africa and Italy Building Resilient, Value-Added Agri-Business Partnerships: From the Soil to the Shelf," the forum brought together government officials, business leaders, and agricultural stakeholders from both countries to explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Both ministers welcomed the conclusion of negotiations that led to the formal acceptance of the export work plan for Italian table grapes, describing it as an important milestone in bilateral agricultural relations.

Agreement expected to boost trade and market access

Lollobrigida described the deal as a major achievement for Italy's fruit and vegetable industry, saying it recognizes the quality and competitiveness of Italian agricultural products.

He noted that access to the South African market aligns with Italy's broader efforts to strengthen economic partnerships across Africa. The minister also expressed hope that future agreements could expand market access for other products, including Italian apples.

The new arrangement is expected to create fresh opportunities for Italian producers while encouraging greater commercial cooperation between the two countries. Industry experts believe the complementary growing seasons of South Africa and Italy could help strengthen supply chains and increase year-round market availability.

Shared values create foundation for stronger partnership

Speaking at a gala dinner hosted by the Italian delegation in the Cape Winelands, Steenhuisen highlighted the growing relationship between the two nations and described the forum as an important platform for promoting trade, investment, and agricultural innovation.

He said discussions throughout the day revealed significant untapped potential for collaboration, with business leaders, researchers, and industry representatives actively exchanging ideas and building new partnerships.

According to Steenhuisen, successful international cooperation depends not only on formal agreements but also on mutual understanding, trust, and shared ambitions.

The minister emphasized that agriculture remains fundamentally a people-centered industry despite advances in technology and innovation. Farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses all play vital roles in creating sustainable agricultural systems and driving economic growth.

Steenhuisen noted that South Africa and Italy share deep agricultural traditions, strong family values, and a commitment to innovation. He added that agriculture extends beyond food production, supporting communities, preserving cultural heritage, sustaining rural economies, and creating livelihoods for millions of people.

These shared values, he said, provide a strong foundation for expanding cooperation and building a long-term partnership that benefits both countries.