The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson held a bilateral meeting with the German Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Ilse Aigner, in Pretoria on Monday.
The Department said in a statement the two ministers had discussions on issues relating to current agricultural and trade policies, world food security and cooperation in vocational training.
Last week, Germany made an undertaking to increase trade in Africa, and South Africa in particular. South Africa exports close to R3 billion in fresh citrus fruit annually to the European Union.
Germany is one of the major markets for SA citrus in the off-season of EU producers, which include mainly Spain, Italy and Greece. Approximately 40 percent of SA citrus exports go to the EU.
The meeting culminated in the signing of a statement of intent regarding cooperation in the field of initial and continuing vocational training for favourable economic development of an agricultural holding, and for providing the population with safe food.
Minister Joemat-Pettersson highlighted some of these issues, among others South African citrus exports to the EU.
South Africa mainly exports wines, paper and processed fruits and vegetables, including fresh grapes and other products to Germany.
As part of the trade partnership between the two countries, South Africa is looking at an agreement for the protection of Geographical Indications with regard to agricultural products such as cheese, meat products, olive oil, etc.
