Pretoria: The Department of Agriculture has announced that the Plant Improvement Act, 2018 (Act 11 of 2018) and its accompanying regulations have officially come into effect on 1 December 2025. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the proclamation of the new Plant Improvement Act, following the approval of the regulations by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. The Act replaces the Plant Improvement Act of 1976 (Act No. 53 of 1976). Both the proclamation of the Act and its regulations were published in Government Gazette No. 53707 on 21 November 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, the updated legislation establishes systems for the registration of businesses relating to plants and propagating material intended for cultivation and sale. It also includes the registration of premises on or from which that business is conducted, quality standards for plants and propagating material, and conditions of sale. Additionally, it covers the national listing of plant varieties, evaluation of plant varieties to ensure value, import and export control, and certification schemes for plants and propagating material.
The 2018 Act introduces several new provisions, such as the registration of businesses related to plants and propagating material intended for cultivation and sale. It also allows for the cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) varieties in South Africa, with a revised definition focusing on low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) plants for agricultural or industrial purposes. Other additions include the publication of a National Varietal List Journal and the hearing of objections lodged with the Registrar regarding applications for National Listing of a plant variety.
The Act also provides for the establishment of an advisory committee that may offer advice to the Registrar on technical matters related to the Act's provisions and its administration. 'The Plant Improvement Act provides a legal framework for the production and sale of good quality, true-to-type seed and vegetative propagating material which contributes to the overall productivity and sustainability of food production in the country,' stated the department.