PCS attends International Day of Plant Health 2026

On 12 May 2026, Gerhard Botha and Mpho Motena represented PCS at the International Day of Plant Health 2026, hosted by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) at the VIMP Roodeplaat campus.

The event brought together stakeholders and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the University of Pretoria, the National Biosecurity Hub, and local government to highlight the critical role of plant health and biosecurity in safeguarding food security.

Unlike a traditional conference, the day focused on practical demonstrations and interactive exhibits, providing attendees with valuable insight into the real-world impact of biosecurity measures.

Exhibitors from Syngenta, Biosyntrix, and various ARC departments showcased the importance of surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and effective disease management in strengthening biosecurity systems.

A key message of the day came from Mr Jan Hendrik Venter (Director of Plant Health – Department of Agriculture), who emphasised that teamwork, collaboration, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for successful biosecurity management.

At PCS, we recognise that healthy planting material forms the foundation of sustainable agriculture and food security. Through our certification activities, we support the production of healthy seed potatoes by conducting regular field inspections throughout the growing season, taking field samples for virus and Bacterial Wilt testing at accredited laboratories, and conducting tuber inspections. These activities help to monitor plant health, maintain varietal integrity, and ensure that certified seed potatoes meet the standards of the Seed Potato Certification Scheme and Protocol. In this way, PCS plays a vital role in strengthening plant health, supporting biosecurity, and promoting sustainable agricultural production in South Africa.

A special thank you to Alex and Zazu (see photo below) for the practical demonstration on how illegal goods are detected at South Africa’s ports of entry — a fascinating reminder of the many layers involved in protecting our agricultural systems.