Zimbabwe sees decline in crop production due to drought
El Niño continues its severe impact on Zimbabwe, with a marked decline in crop production. The total area planted to crops in Zimbabwe in the 2023/24 season declined 6% when compared to the previous season, that of cereals declined 6% and maize grain declined 12%.
Protectionism and shipping disruptions threaten agri trade
Solid business partnerships will become increasingly important to navigate market threats, according to Absa’s recently released AgriTrends Autumn 2024.
Department of agriculture under scrutiny for mismanaged funds
Fruitless and wasteful expenditure has increased almost a thousand-fold, from R33 000 in 2021/22 to over R30 million during the 2022/23 fiscal year, according to the recently released budget review and recommendations report of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
New FMD outbreak reported in Frankfort, Free State
A new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been reported in the Free State. This is according to a statement by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Farmers need help to survive the drought
The devastating drought, coupled with the grave impact that extreme temperatures have on agricultural producers, calls for government support, Grain SA said in a statement.
Plight of female agricultural workers in the spotlight
Statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) indicate that about 38% of all workers in global agricultural supply chains are female.
Seventh consecutive decline in global food price index
In February, the global food commodity price index, used as a benchmark, recorded its seventh consecutive decline, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Logistical challenges highlighted at Fruit Logistica
South Africa’s logistical challenges came under scrutiny at the highly regarded international fruit and vegetable producers’ gathering.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco producers earn less despite increased exports
Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports increased markedly in the first two months of 2024. A total volume of 56 500t of tobacco was exported in January and February.
Zambia diversifies and revives cashew production
Zambia’s production of cashew nuts has stagnated since the early 1990s due to a lack of education, contact with extension officers and input costs such as fertiliser and pesticides.
Farmers celebrate protected status for Irish grass-fed beef
Irish grass-fed beef has been awarded an EU all-Ireland Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). According to FarmingUK, this was a protection similar to that given to champagne in France, and Irish whiskey.
Macadamia farmers explore new markets amid price challenges
Macadamia prices paid to farmers reached rock bottom last year, leading to many farmers seeking alternative markets for their nuts rather than the traditional approach of selling to local processors.
