Purpose
To facilitate and promote food security and agrarian reform programmes and initiatives.
Functions
1. Provide national frameworks to promote sustainable household food security programmes
2. Develop and provide strategic support to farmers and cooperatives
3. Facilitate the provision of DALRRD education and Training in support of sustainable growth and equitable participation in the sector
4. Provide national extension support services
5. Provide sound development finance services for development of DALRRD programmes
6. Facilitate the mainstreaming of rural women, youth, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups (i.e. farm workers, communities. etc.) in Branch initiatives
Reports
About the Directorate
The Directorate regulates the manufacturing, distribution, importation, sale, use and advertisement of fertilizers, animal feeds, pesticides, stock remedies as well as the operation of sterilizing plants and pest control operators in terms of the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947).
Principal responsibilities
The Directorate is responsible for:
Evaluating and registering fertilizers, animal feeds, pesticides and stock remedies for use in South Africa, having satisfied itself that such products are efficacious, and safe for humans, animals, crops and the environment;
Assessing the competency and registration of pest control operators (PCO);
Assessing the suitability and registration of sterilizing plants; and
Monitoring compliance with the legislation.