News

Elgin pome fruit producer Richard Hutton-Squire was named the Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year 2026 at a gala event in Paarl on Wednesday, with judges recognising his focus on strong farming fundamentals and sustained production growth.

The agriculture sector is expected to continue holding its ground and contribute to the growth of South Africa’s economy, despite recent damaging storms and rising input costs.

South Africa and Italy have used this week’s inaugural South Africa-Italy Agribusiness Forum in Cape Town to reposition their relationship from a largely trade-based one to a more strategic partnership centred on value addition, technology, and joint expansion into new markets.

South Africa's foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak continues to expand, with the latest official figures showing 2 249 reported outbreak locations nationwide, reinforcing concerns about the disease's growing geographic spread.

The Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) hosted its annual media and industry information day in Pretoria this week, where it outlined the role of the formal feed industry in protecting both animal and human health.

The South African Poultry Association has welcomed Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen’s recent decision to amend the Animal Diseases Regulations (R.2026 of 1986) to allow the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccinations in South Africa.

"We do not have time to be offended. There is a disease to beat." That was the response from dairy farmer Andrew Morphew after a leaked internal email allegedly sent by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen's chief of staff, Jana le Roux, sparked outrage among farmers and livestock industry stakeholders.

South Africa's agriculture sector recorded its highest-ever first-quarter trade surplus in 2026, but the performance was driven largely by lower import costs rather than stronger export growth, according to AgriSA's latest Quarterly Trade Report.

At the National Wool Growers' Association (NWGA) Congress on 3 June in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, industry stakeholders highlighted the need for greater investment in communal farming areas, improved genetics, stronger biosecurity measures, and better infrastructure to build an inclusive, sustainable wool sheep economy in South Africa.

Omnia Holdings delivered a stronger financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, underpinned by solid volume growth in its agriculture and mining businesses, improved margins, and disciplined cash generation.

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Tata Motors showcased 11 new vehicles, including buses, pickups, and electric trucks, at its Africa O.N.E event in Cape Town on 21 and 22 May.

The Western Cape government is working to make environmental approval processes more practical and responsive to agriculture’s needs following recent flooding in the province, while also aiming to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers.

South Africa’s cannabis industry has a significant opportunity to establish itself as a competitive supplier to international markets, but success will depend on producers’ ability to meet increasingly stringent quality, compliance, and production standards.

A new agricultural innovation competition is offering up-and-coming agripreneurs a chance to take their ideas from the farm gate to the global stage.

Karan Beef has resumed beef exports after more than a year of disruptions caused by foot-and-mouth disease, with its first container now en route to Jordan.

Climate change is placing growing pressure on South African agriculture, with industry representatives and government warning of increasing risks to food production, water security and rural livelihoods ahead of World Environment Day.

The Agbiz Congress 2026, held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, from 3 to 5 June, brought together leaders and stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain under the theme ‘Embracing Collaboration’

Thousands of tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe say they are frustrated with low prices, pointing to a growing gap between returns and high production costs as the country’s 2026 tobacco marketing season continues.

Despite sectoral consultations and a public commentary process that began in December 2025 and was later extended to 27 March 2026, farmers may have to wait several more months for clarity on the proposed Regulations for the Protection and Management of Groundwater Resources.

China’s recent tariff-free market access and amended protocols on citrus fruit shipments from South Africa are expected to be a game-changer for the local industry.