South Africa, Italy sign agriculture cooperation deal focused on animal health and feed innovation

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa and Italy have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in animal health, livestock production systems, and feed innovation as both countries work to build more resilient and competitive agrifood sectors. 

The agreement was concluded during the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agrifood Forum, held on June 9-10, and establishes a framework for collaboration in animal health systems, biosecurity, feed production, research, and technical skills development.

The Department of Agriculture in South Africa said the partnership is designed to deepen long-term cooperation while supporting knowledge exchange and technology transfer across priority areas in livestock and agribusiness. 

A key focus is improving animal health systems and strengthening biosecurity measures to reduce risks linked to transboundary animal diseases, which continue to threaten global livestock production and trade.

South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said the collaboration is intended to support a more resilient livestock sector capable of withstanding emerging pressures.

“We want to produce more food with fewer resources. We want stronger rural economies and more jobs. We want resilient food systems that can withstand climate shocks, disease outbreaks and market disruptions,” Steenhuisen said during the forum.

Focus on animal health and feed system resilience

Animal health and feed systems are central to the agreement, with both countries aiming to improve livestock productivity through better disease prevention, nutrition and farm management practices. 

Strengthening biosecurity is a key priority, particularly as global livestock systems face increasing risks from transboundary diseases that can disrupt production and trade flows.

The partnership is expected to support cooperation between research institutions and the private sector on animal disease surveillance, diagnostics and prevention strategies. 

It also includes collaboration on feed efficiency, livestock nutrition, and improved production systems to enhance productivity while reducing losses from disease and poor feed conversion.

Industry experts note that feed and animal health are increasingly interconnected, with nutrition playing a critical role in strengthening immunity and reducing disease susceptibility in livestock. 

As a result, innovation in feed formulation and feed additives is expected to form an important part of the cooperation framework.

The MoU also opens opportunities for collaboration in feed technology, ingredient development and livestock nutrition research. 

Italy’s established agro-industrial expertise, particularly in feed processing and value chain integration, is expected to support South Africa’s efforts to modernise its livestock sector and expand its animal protein production capacity.

South Africa, in turn, brings a diversified livestock base and a growing agricultural sector supported by varied climatic conditions and expanding export markets. 

Officials believe this complementarity could support joint innovation in feed efficiency, animal performance and sustainable livestock systems.

The agreement also aligns with broader efforts to improve productivity in livestock systems while managing rising input costs, particularly feed expenses, which remain one of the largest cost drivers in animal production.

Building resilience in livestock systems

The collaboration comes as global livestock industries face growing pressure from disease outbreaks, climate variability and supply chain disruptions. 

Both countries have highlighted the need for stronger early warning systems, improved veterinary capacity and better coordination in animal health management.

By strengthening cooperation in animal health and feed systems, South Africa and Italy aim to support more resilient livestock value chains that can maintain productivity amid changing global conditions.

The partnership is also expected to support skills development and technical training in veterinary services, feed manufacturing, and livestock management, helping to build capacity across both the public and private sectors.

Trade in agricultural products between the two countries currently stands at around US$39.4 million annually, with officials identifying significant potential for growth in livestock-related products, feed inputs and animal health technologies.

The agreement reflects a broader global trend toward deeper international cooperation in livestock production systems, in which animal health, nutrition, and biosecurity are increasingly seen as interconnected pillars of food security and agricultural competitiveness.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.