The agricultural sector in South Africa is comprised of three sub-sectors, namely, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The agriculture sub-sector is further subdivided into field crops, horticulture, and animal production. The performance of the sub-sectors has a pivotal role in the determination of food security, employment and overall performance of the manufacturing sector. The sector has traditionally been the largest employer in the economy however, as it becomes more modernized and capital intensive, more labour is released to other sectors of the economy. It not only has an important direct impact on the growth of the economy, but because of forward and backward linkages with other sectors it also affect the economy indirectly. The important spill over of sector into South African economy is through agro-processing.

The major export products include citrus fruits, grapes, apples, pears, wine, meat, quinces, sugar and maize with the European Union being one of the largest markets for South African agricultural products. EU Market information is very important for South African exporters and therefore Brussels Agriculture office monitors developments within this market.