AGRICULTURE NEWS - With the festive season in full swing, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has called on all travellers visiting or returning to South Africa during the festive season to comply with import requirements for agricultural and related products.

According to a statement by the department, this will prevent and minimise the potential risk of introducing alien invasive species, foreign pests and diseases that could be associated with imported plants, plant products, animals, animal products and other regulated goods.

“Once a quarantine pest or disease is introduced into the country, it is difficult and expensive to control and manage it, thus prevention is imperative,” said Reggie Ngcobo, the department’s spokesperson.

He added that South Africa had a crucial mandate and sovereign right to protect its territory, biodiversity, and economy against harm.

Read the full article here on the Caxton publication, Farmer's Weekly