SACTA is committed to ensure food security through the development of new genetics and technology for open-pollinated crops.
The South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA) was created as the legitimate central institution which administers the breeding levies for all self-pollinated grain and oilseed crops, specifically wheat, barley, soya beans and some canola cultivars.
SACTA believes that all cultivars should offer a healthy balance between yield and quality so that all parties in the value chain benefit. The system is driven by the free market, dedicated by demand. Currently South Africa imports more than 50% of our wheat and there is not enough investment in new breeding programmes.
Sustainable agriculture and food security go hand in hand. The sustainable production of certain self-pollinated crops such as wheat, barley, oats and soybeans depend on the continuous development and introduction of new seed varieties and, if applicable, new bio-technology.
Statutory levies for the purpose of plant breeding and new technologies in these crops have to be administered responsibly. SACTA was established in 2016 with the specific purpose of administrating the levy.
The statutory levy system for breeding and technology of self-pollinated crops and SACTA as a dedicated administration company, has proven to be quite unique worldwide.
The South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA) was created as the legitimate central institution which administers the breeding levies for all self-pollinated grain and oilseed crops, specifically wheat, barley, soya beans, oats and lupin cultivars.
SACTA Performance Indicators
Highlights
Over the last two seasons, developing commercial farmers have planted:
- 3,400 ha soybeans
- 1,500 ha wheat
- 1,300 ha maize
- 1,000 ha barley
- 600 ha other crops
- Total: 7,800 ha
More than 50 bursaries over the past 5 years!
- 23 new wheat varieties registered
- 50+ new soybean varieties registered
- INTACTA RR2 PRO® de regulated
- Increased breeding investment local & abroad
- Trials in progress for new biotech traits