Table grapes yet to experience full impact of COVID-19
Limited marketing opportunities for secondary fruit can be a big challenge for table grape producers this season, according to Francois Rossouw, managing director of Mooigezicht Estates near De Doorns.
Avocados remain buoyant amid ‘insatiable demand’
The strong demand for avocados is expected to keep prices stable during 2021 as global players start entering the Asian market. In the past, demand for avocados was driven by...
‘Consumer spending will determine poultry sector’s fortunes’
Although chicken and eggs are popular, lower-cost protein sources for many South African consumers, widespread unemployment and other COVID-19-related economic challenges will pose a major threat to demand in 2021.
Citrus export levy to bring in additional R134 million
The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza recently gazetted the new statutory citrus export levy for 2021, which has been welcomed by the Citrus Growers’ Association...
Court rules farm dwellers may be forced to reduce livestock
A recent ruling in the South African Land Claims Court (SALCC) has opened a door for landowners to successfully achieve court orders compelling farm dwellers to reduce their livestock numbers...
Mango season starts early with big volumes, depressed prices
The mango harvest is in full swing, and an increase in volume on the market has led to pressure on prices.
SA sugar industry losing billions due to dumping
During coming months, South African consumers will be educated about and encouraged to consume more locally manufactured sugar and sugar products.
New SA-China agreement creates opportunity for fruit exports
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between South Africa and China in December 2020, offers a major opportunity for South African fruit exports to China.
Compulsory leases for communal land challenged in court
A small group of residents of traditional authority lands in KwaZulu-Natal, together with supporting non-governmental organisations, recently jointly submitted an application to the Pietermaritzburg High Court to challenge the Ingonyama...
Study finds Africa’s smallholders wary of fertiliser quality
Smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are, on average, using fertilisers at well-below recommended rates in their crop production. This was according to the results of a study conducted by researchers...
International award for Free State stock theft researcher
The executive board of the International Society for the Study of Rural Crime (ISSRC) recently bestowed the prestigious Joseph F. Donnermeyer New Scholar Award on Dr Willem Lombard, an agricultural...
Tongaat Hulett’s financials point to sugar business recovery
Tongaat Hulett’s ailing fortunes in recent years appear to be on a trajectory of recovery, judging by its recently released interim financial results for the first half-year ended 30 September...
