Rooibos shortage may cause 90% price surge

It seems as if South Africa’s 30,9 million-strong tea-drinking population is opting for the home-grown choice.

Poor yields reported across SA’s summer crop production region

The majority of lands planted to sunflower in the summer grain production areas have been harvested, according to Grain SA economist Petru Fourie.

Increasing resilience of Africa’s smallholder farmers vital

With factors such as climate change, sustainability, and difficult access to markets putting pressure on Africa’s millions of smallholder farmers, efforts were needed to help increase the resilience of such farmers.

Agribusiness entrepreneur named one of SA’s most notable young people

Agribusiness entrepreneur Leeko Mokoena has been named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans (a list of notable South Africans under the age of 35) for 2016.

No square watermelons for SA

In 2014, Japan started exporting rare, cube-shaped watermelons produced in Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture. Currently, the fruit, which is intended to be used as ornaments, sell for 10 000 yen (about R1 500) each.

Top Merino genetics for Eastern Cape communal farmers

The South African National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA) has made 2 973 top quality commercial Merino rams available to communal farming communities in the Eastern Cape so far this year.

Farmers adopt ‘wait and see’ approach on tractor purchases

South Africa’s farmers are reportedly being cautious about deciding on whether or not to buy new tractors ahead of the forthcoming summer planting season.

Pome fruit doing well in spite of drought

Despite suffering the worst drought in decades, South Africa’s pome fruit industry fared relatively well compared with initial expectations, according to Hortgro, the organisation which represents South Africa's deciduous fruit industry.

Growing demand for lemons internationally

The demand for lemons is growing significantly in domestic and international markets. Eben Kruger of citrus production and export company, GOGO Fruit, in Marble Hall, told Farmer’s Weekly that there was a global shortage of lemons due to increased demand.

Increased demand for lamb in China

Demand for lamb and mutton in China has increased amidst soaring pork prices, with imports in May increasing 18% to achieve a total of 27 000t.

Africa needs to reduce independence on imported food

Africa needed to reduce its dependence on imported and value-added food and fibre products, according to experts at Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) Forum 2016, held in June in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Farm attacks on the rise – TAU SA

Farm attacks and murders in South Africa are on the increase, according to the latest statistics on violent crime on farms released by TAU SA.

New commission to audit land ownership in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean government has gazetted a Land Commission Bill according to which a land commission will be established to conduct regular land ownership and land use audits on farms seized from white farmers since 2000.

Pretoria Wimpy outlets support drought relief

A total of 23 Wimpy outlets in Pretoria East have pledged support to the Funky Cappuccino promotion aimed at raising funds for Agri SA’s drought relief fund, initiated in 2015 to support farmers and communities in need.

Government gets serious about farming, food security

There is a growing awareness in government about the importance of the agriculture sector in South Africa and its role in the country’s food security.

SA experiences fewer wildfires in June

Compared to the preceding four years, there were far fewer wildfires in June this year, South Africa’s winter fire season.

Brazil set to increase agricultural trade with Kenya

Brazil has expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties with Kenya by increasing exports and imports between the two countries, according to Standard Media report.

Agri SA sceptical about R1 billion drought relief ‘donation’

Agri SA has iterated that the bona fides of an organisation promising to donate R1 billion in drought relief to SA farmers be established before any details can be discussed.

Emerging farmers set to benefit from AB InBev-SABMiller merger

The conditions for the approval of the merger between Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev and SABMiller’s, as set by the Competition Tribunal of South Africa, have several benefits for local farmers, including an investment of over R600 million in farmer development.

Botswana suspends cattle ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy

Zimbabwe’s government has succeeded in persuading Botswana to suspend its proposal to shoot cattle crossing the border from Zimbabwe into Botswana.

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