South Africa

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).

South Africa’s logistical challenges came under scrutiny at the highly regarded international fruit and vegetable producers’ gathering.

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.

The agricultural, forestry and fisheries industry shrunk by 9,7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, and 12,2% year-on-year, according to the latest GDP results released by Statistics South Africa.

Huge benefits for North West farmers as they receive much-needed equipment, writes Glenneis Kriel.

Prices paid for nyala on auction has risen steadily, with bulls going from an average of R9 300 in 2022 to R14 000 in 2023. The game industry is continuing its recovery after receiving two blows over the past few years.

With yet another fuel price hike on the horizon for March, the potential impact on the already under-pressure agriculture sector raises concerns about heightened production costs, reduced profit margins, and potential ripple effects on food prices for consumers.

The National Council for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (NSPCA) has called for a complete ban of livestock exports via sea following the discovery of the abhorrent condition in which animals were kept on the Al Kuwait, which docked in Cape Town last week to load feed on its way from Brazil to Iraq.

In a strategic move to strengthen South Africa’s citrus export capabilities, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has revealed plans for an additional direct cargo service from the port of Ngqura to northern Europe.

The chickens have come home to roost for government who has seen a large decrease in tax income as a result of the malfunctioning of state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet.

The South African government has to date spent R25 billion to settle land claims. Hectares bought and transferred to land claimants equate to 3,9 million.

Pig farmers have been advised to strengthen biosecurity measures to protect their pigs against African swine fever.