Important cooperation projects
German Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer visits South Africa

German Federal Minister Alois Rainer and MEC Dr Ivan Meyer during a productive event with the accompanying delegation

HSF

During his visit to a Hanns Seidel Foundation project partner, the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in the Western Cape, Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Alois Rainer was welcomed by MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer. Our HSF Resident Representative Hanns Bühler was honored to moderate a discussion with both ministers and the large German business delegation accompanying the German Federal Minister of Agriculture. Both Ministers shared a joint vision, recognizing that food security is a top priority, that a professional export strategy is a precondition for further strengthening trade relationships, and that regional identity is also important for social cohesion and democratic stability.

During the interactive delegation engagements with students and faculty at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in the Western Cape

HSF

We are grateful to Minister Meyer and HoD Dr Mogale Sebopetsa for the partnership between the HSF and the Western Cape Provincial Department of Agriculture. Against the backdrop of the long-term partnership between the Free State of Bavaria and the Western Cape province, the Hanns Seidel Foundation supports the establishment of a start-up hub at the agricultural training institute, student exchanges, and the development of curricula in partnership with Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences in Bavaria. The Ministers had meaningful engagements with agro-engineering students during the visit at the Elsenburg Institute.

 

German Federal Minister Alois Rainer with Hanns Bühler, HSF Representative in South Africa

HSF

Germany is one of South Africa's most important trading partners, and it ranks second in terms of imports. From sweets to cheese and pork - many German products are real export hits. South Africa is also the most important export country on the continent for German agricultural machinery, agricultural and food producers, and SA acts as a gateway to Africa for many German companies. Over 600 German companies, creating over 100 000 jobs locally, are active in South Africa. 

“South Africa is a key agricultural location on the African continent, while Germany is known worldwide for its innovative agricultural engineering and technology. This opens numerous opportunities for close cooperation”, explains Rainer. South Africa exports inter alia grapes, wine, apples, and dried fruit to Germany.

South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen with German Federal Minister Alois Rainer

HSF

This is the first visit by a German Federal Minister of Agriculture to South Africa in 13 years. During the meeting with SA Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, in the presence of German Ambassador Andreas Peschke, the ministers signed an agreement on cooperation in combating foot-and-mouth disease, which is currently affecting many South African livestock farmers. Minister Rainer underlined that “animal health is not just a national issue, but a global challenge”.

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