National Biosecurity Hub

About us

The National Biosecurity Hub is a platform established between Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Innovation Africa @ University of Pretoria. The Hub is part of the revitalisation of the Agricultural Sector through research, development and innovation, a key requirement of both the White Paper on Science Technology and Innovation (2019/2020) and the STI Decadal Plan 2021-2031.

The Importance of Biosecurity in South Africa

Biosecurity is a priority shared between research institutions, government and industry. The development, maintenance and funding of an effective national biosecurity system does not only protect the country from new invading sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) threats which affect food security, but it also builds confidence amongst trading partners which leads to an increase in market access and job creation along the value chain. The safety of products of plant and animal origin are essential for consistent trade, sustainable agriculture, food-, nutrition- and livelihood security as well as equitable economic development.

Objectives

Promote engagements on SPS matters through establishing appropriate communication structures

Develop a Biosecurity Information Hub to store and manage SPS and related information

Create opportunities for human capital development

Work with public and private stakeholders to prevent, respond to and manage pests and diseases that threaten the environment, human health, animal health and/or the economy

Work with public and private stakeholders to conduct research on known and emerging biosecurity threats

Structure

The National Biosecurity Hub is governed by the Biosecurity Hub Steering Committee. The committee consists of members from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). Innovation Africa at University of Pretoria (IA@UP) provides coordination and secretarial support for the Hub.

Training – BSc Build

Training and capacity are one of the key focus areas for the National Biosecurity Hub. The training programme brings industry, academia and government together. Through targeted SPS training sessions, we will establish robust systems to mitigate potential threats and facilitate smooth trade operations.

Black unemployed graduates will participate in an internship program designed to provide them with the relevant skills as well as support governmental tasks regarding SPS challenges. This dual approach aims to strengthen the capabilities of the government and the youth ensuring a coordinated workflow and strengthening SPS expertise.

DALRRD
- Directorate: Agricultural Inputs Control Internship programme
- Plant Health
- Risk assessor training
FMC

Biosecurity is key to Food security, food safety and trade