​Lerato Mailoane
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's budget for 2025/2026 is R671.1 million.
Addressing the media on Sunday, the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, stated that the budget will strengthen internal capacity. 
The department will allocate R23.8 million to end hunger and build household food security, commercialise smallholder farmers, revitalise agro-industries, create sustainable jobs, embrace innovation, and prioritize rural development.
MEC Ramokgopa said that R15 million has been allocated to expand Agri-Parks-critical platforms that help farmers aggregate produce, access markets, and scale sustainably.
"Our partnership with the South African Poultry Association led to Gauteng's first egg aggregation and packing station - over 12 million eggs processed, benefiting 25 smallholder farmers. This is the kind of tangible impact I want to replicate across the province."
In addition, the department is investing over R111.615 million through the Conditional Agricultural Support Programme to build infrastructure, develop skills, and enhance resilience among small-scale producers.
Ramokgopa stated that nearly 4.5 million Gauteng residents live below the poverty line. To combat food insecurity, her department has committed to reducing poverty by 10% in the medium term.
"We will get there by scaling up backyard and community farming, partnering with NGOs and the private sector to reduce food waste, and redirecting surplus food to households in need."
"To back this, R41 million has been allocated to the Ilima/Letsema Programme to support subsistence farmers."
The MEC stated that, to create jobs, the department has invested R100 million in a blended finance Agro-processing Fund, in partnership with the National Empowerment Fund.
"Already, 32 agro-enterprises are undergoing due diligence. This fund will strengthen our value chains, unlock township economies, and create jobs." 
To support local producers further, we have set aside R12 million for "Made in GP" farmers' markets and digital sales platforms-giving small producers direct access to buyers," she added.
To promote animal health, the Veterinary Services has been allocated a budget of R104 million.
During the briefing, MEC for Environment, Ewan Botha, also presented the department's R679.4 million budget for the 2025/26 financial year.
The MEC outlined the department's focus on accelerated service delivery, environmental justice, compliance and enforcement, and building partnerships that make sustainable development a reality.
"The Department is investing in key areas such as environmental restoration, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity protection, and waste management.
"Particular emphasis is being placed on improving compliance with environmental legislation, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and holding polluters accountable," he said.
The department has allocated R353.3 million for personnel and strengthening departmental capacity.
A total of R498.7 million will be allocated for inclusive economic growth and job creation. Additionally, R9.3 million will be set aside through the Expanded Public Works Programme Integrated Grant, creating short-term green jobs for women and youth in various programmes.
These initiatives include recycling, greening, and park maintenance. Additionally, R78.3 million is allocated for flagship heritage sites, such as the Cradle of Humankind and Dinokeng Game Reserve, to enhance tourism. Furthermore, R50 million is allocated to clean 18 central business districts under the G20 Green Cities Initiative.
About R10 million will go to a feasibility study into Gauteng's first integrated Eco-Park Waste Facility, R3.5 million for Buy-Back Centre infrastructure supporting township recyclers, R2.9 million to implement waste minimisation regulations and promote separation at source, and R2.5 million to review the province's Integrated Waste Management Plan.
A total of R8 million has been allocated to the Gauteng Climate Change Action Plan and the annual Climate Indaba. Additionally, R11.9 million has been allocated to streamline environmental impact assessment approvals, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and improve turnaround times.