Good season ahead for apples and pears
Apple and pear exports are expected to increase this year on the back of new orchards coming into production, improved varieties and favourable weather.
Namibia’s vegetable ban on South Africa a struggle for local farmers
South Africa's agricultural trade with its neighbouring countries has faced significant challenges over the past few years, particularly with import restrictions imposed on the country by Namibia and Botswana.
South Africans spend majority of income on living costs, survey shows
South African households spend roughly R76 out of every R100 on housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, food and non-alcoholic beverages, transportation and insurance, according to Statistics South Africa...
Eskom price hike set to cost farmers an extra R1,27 billion in 2025
From 1 April this year, consumers will be paying more for electricity, thanks to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently granting Eskom permission to hike prices by...
Agri role players’ wish lists for SONA 2025
Farmer’s Weekly asked leading agricultural role players about their expectations for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February, as well as their views on government's progress...
Interest rate cut brings welcome relief to farmers
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, taking the repo rate down to 7,5% and the prime lending rate down to 11%.
Fly outbreaks in South Africa due to “unhygienic conditions”
The current fly outbreak in Gauteng is not an isolated incident, and outbreaks have been reported across all parts of South Africa, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship...
Eastern Cape small-scale farmers receive Nguni bulls to improve production
Nonceba Kontsiwe, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, called on farmers to expand their operations and venture into the entire red meat value chain to make a meaningful impact on the...
Future-proofing the wine industry
Speakers highlighted ways to improve farmer resilience in a bid to future-proof the wine industry at the recent Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day 2025, entitled ‘Navigating Climate Chaos’.
Zimbabwe to conduct first agri sector census since independence
Zimbabwe is to conduct its first National Agricultural and Livestock Census (NALC) since the country’s independence in 1980, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United...
Rhino horn trafficker receives 18-year prison sentence for money laundering
High-ranking rhino horn trafficker, Francis Kipampa of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, recently received an 18-year prison sentence for money laundering offences related to rhino poaching.
Extreme weather and conflict dominate Global Risks Report
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report shows that respondents are concerned about extreme weather and conflict in the present, short and long terms.
Expropriation Bill sparks concerns on land reform, food security
The Expropriation Bill has reignited discussions on land reform and its potential impacts on food security, property rights, and agricultural productivity. This follows its signing into law by President Cyril...
Botswana suspends imports of certain SA commodities
Due to outbreaks of Goss’s bacterial wilt (Clovibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis) and bud rot of palms (Phytophthora palmivora) in South Africa, Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture (MLA) recently suspended...
Agritourism on the rise as consumers remain under pressure
South Africa’s agritourism sector saw rising interest from the youth, city dwellers and families over the past festive season, according to Jacqui Taylor, CEO and founder of Agritourism Africa.
Lack of financing hampers regenerative agriculture
Financing for and investment in regenerative agriculture in South Africa are currently lagging behind what is happening in the rest of the world.
SA’s first white maize shipment since 2017 arrives at Port of Durban
The African Baza, a bulk carrier sailing under the Bahamas flag, last week offloaded 23 700t of white maize produced in the US at the Port of Durban.
Ramokgopa launches tree-planting drive at Gauteng schools
Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, accompanied by the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang launched a tree-planting initiative on Wednesday.
African countries adopt a strategy to unlock agricultural potential
Government and private sector will have to work together to get real results from the recently signed the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan.
Market inquiry: retailers (mostly) cleared
The Competition Commission released its final report on the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI). Retailers have, for the most part, been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding price gouging or keeping...
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