Preservation & Development of Agricultural Land Act: Draft Regulations Published for Comment

Posted 27 March 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Agriculture has released draft regulations under the Preservation & Development of Agricultural Land Act, 2024, for public consultation.

In terms of the Preservation & Development of Agricultural Land Act, 2024, which is yet to commence, the Department has issued draft regulations to establish the procedural and administrative framework required for the Act’s implementation. The primary objective of the Act is to ensure that viable agricultural land is preserved and used to its optimal potential to support long-term food production through sustainable farming practices.

The draft regulations are underpinned by a commitment to efficient administration and fair decision-making. The proposed framework includes provisions for:

  • The identification and mapping of high-potential agricultural land;
  • Procedures for applications related to the subdivision and change of use of agricultural land;
  • Criteria for evaluating the impact of proposed developments on food security; and
  • Administrative mechanisms for appeals and dispute resolution.

Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the draft regulations by no later than 26 May 2026.

Click here to view the notice on the SA Legal Academy website.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; professional impact is limited to the requirement to stay informed of shifting land-use application procedures for advisory purposes.
  • For your business: Legal, planning, and environmental practices must review the draft to align internal compliance checklists with the proposed administrative requirements for agricultural land applications.
  • For your clients: Agricultural landowners and property developers must evaluate how the proposed restrictions on subdivision and rezoning may affect the valuation and future development potential of their land holdings.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/preservation-development-of-agricultural-land-act-draft-regulations-out-for-comment

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