Abstract: The production of biotech crops in South Africa continued to expand in 2010 to reach 2.2 million hectares, making South Africa the ninth largest producer of biotech crops in the world. South Africas new Consumer Protection Bill came into effect on April 1, 2011. The new act require virtually every product label in South Africa’s food and beverage industry to be changed to comply with mandatory GMO labeling requirements. The intent of the law is to prevent exploitation or harm of consumers and to promote the social well being of consumers. Post expects mandatory GMO labeling for all domestic and imported GMO food products and liability clauses in this bill will directly affect U.S. companies with food and agricultural interests in South Africa.

Key words: South Africa, agricultural biotechnology, trade and production, policy