Research and marketing needed to boost dragon fruit production

Investing in research and marketing for the dragon fruit industry is needed for this sector to realise its potential in terms of job creation and offering a feasible investment for small-scale farmers.

Easing of export ban will help wineries ‘keep the lights on’

South Africa’s wine industry will be allowed to export finished goods, both packaged and bulk, during the remainder of the lockdown period which was aimed at containing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Road safety under scrutiny after fatal farmworker accident

The deaths of nine farmworkers in a road accident on the N1 between Touws River and De Doorns have sent shockwaves through the agricultural community.

Western Cape farmers donate to those in need

Over the past week, Western Cape farmers have donated tons of fresh produce to FoodForward SA, a non-profit organisation assisting communities experiencing food shortages during the lockdown for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Rice and wheat price volatility surges due to pandemic

Countries rallying to ensure local food supply are restricting exports amid uncertainty over how long the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic will last and continue to affect trade.

African armyworm outbreak pose threat to KZN cattle farmers

If it spreads further afield, the African armyworm [Spodoptera exempta (Walker)] outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Nkandla and Msinga areas could be the final nail in the coffin for many livestock farmers in the province.

South African consumers to pay much more for garlic

For the foreseeable future, South African garlic lovers will have to accept dramatically increased prices for their favourite food flavouring until delays in international logistics are smoothed out.

Northern Cape drought aid grinds to a halt amid lockdown

Disaster relief support for the Northern Cape has ground to a halt since the lockdown for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic came into effect.

Covid-19 support for farmers with a turnover of R1m or less

Smallholder and communal farmers with an annual turnover of between R20 000 and R1 million will be able to apply for financial support grants from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) from Wednesday, 8 April.

Virtual awards ceremony for South Africa’s top dairy products

South Africa’s top dairy products were recently honoured at the Agri-Expo Qualité Awards, which this year took the form of a virtual ceremony held as part of the South African Dairy Championships.

Export opportunities for South African raisins to the UK

South Africa is forecast to increase raisin exports by 8% to 64 600t in the 2019/2020 marketing year, up from 59 000t in 2018/2019, based on the increase in production and improved global demand, according to Ferdie Botha, general manager at Raisins South Africa.

UN warns of worsening locust invasion in East Africa

The African Development Bank has approved more than R28 million in emergency relief funding to assist nine countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa to control vast swarms of desert locusts.

Coronavirus lockdown hampers SA’s farming activities

South Africa’s national lockdown aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic is already taking its toll on farmers.

Forestry demand stable, despite toilet paper panic buying

Any perceived shortage of toilet paper in retail stores can be ascribed to a consumer behavioural issue rather than a production issue.

Drinks companies switch to alcohol production for sanitisers

In an effort to contribute in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic, various industries around the world are now producing alcohol for use in hand sanitisers at their production facilities.

Late rain and heat predicted for winter rainfall region

A challenging planting season looms for grain farmers in the winter rainfall region, as weather forecasts indicate that rain might be delayed.

Wine industry faces billions in losses due to coronavirus

While the wine industry has received permission to complete the wine grape harvest, South Africa’s lockdown on local and international sales will have far-reaching repercussions for the financial viability of businesses in the supply chain.

Tobacco products remain off limits during lockdown – Cele

Western Cape premier, Alan Winde, has quashed rumours that he had lifted the ban on the sale of tobacco products in the province.

Spazas, food hawkers with permits, get greenlight to trade

An amendment to South Africa’s lockdown regulations that will allow informal traders with the necessary permits to resume operations was announced by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, on Thursday.

‘Farmers to make water available during coronavirus crisis’

Farmers with water rights and irrigation boards might have to make water available to government, following steps introduced by the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.

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