Various important grain crops in South Africa, such as wheat, barley, oats, and soybeans, to mention a few, are so called self-pollinating crops. Grain produced on farm, from such crops, can be retained on the farm by the producer, and used as seed for planting purposes the following season. This process can be repeated for several seasons and is commonly referred to as ‘farm-saved seed’.

Unfortunately, large volumes of this kind of seed is used in South Africa. Although it is legal for a farmer to retain grain for planting purposes on his own farm, large volumes result in a smaller saleable seed market for seed companies, which can lead to fewer investments in the breeding of these crops.

The distribution of the levy fund to seed companies, according to their market share, will incentivise seed breeding companies to develop new varieties in self-pollinating crops. This system is supported by producers.

The agency is a separate body and a legitimate central institution which administers the breeding and technology levy for all self-pollinated grain and oilseed crops. SACTA is aligned with all role industry players who are knowledgeable in breeding and technology, as well as the competitiveness of our farmers.

SACTA is not just another commodity trust. It is not linked to a specific commodity and addresses ONLY the need to improve the breeding of self-pollinated grain and oilseed crops. SACTA believes that all cultivars should offer a healthy balance between yield and quality, to ensure all parties in the value chain benefit. The system is driven by the free market, dictated by demand.