SA citrus to make its way to Vietnam markets
As the South African citrus export season kicks into high gear in the coming weeks, a significant bilateral protocol has been established with the Vietnamese government, paving the way for local oranges to enter the markets of Vietnam.
Lower yields and prices expected for 2024 summer crop harvest
The summer grain crop has again been revised down as the drought takes its toll on South Africa. The size of the expected commercial maize crop has been set at 13,26 million tons – 7,69% or 1,1 million tons less than the previous forecast in February.
Macadamia industry scammed out of R4 million during theft probe
Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC) has been defrauded of R4 million, dealing a further blow to curbing theft in the industry. Macadamia nut theft is rife in South Africa, where both individual criminals and syndicates operate to amass the nuts before they reach processors.
Agribusiness confidence expected to remain low in 2024
Agribusiness confidence remained downbeat in the first quarter of 2024 and will probably stay that way in the second quarter.
Zimbabwe sees decline in crop production due to drought
El Niño continues its severe impact on Zimbabwe, with a marked decline in crop production. The total area planted to crops in Zimbabwe in the 2023/24 season declined 6% when compared to the previous season, that of cereals declined 6% and maize grain declined 12%.
Protectionism and shipping disruptions threaten agri trade
Solid business partnerships will become increasingly important to navigate market threats, according to Absa’s recently released AgriTrends Autumn 2024.
Department of agriculture under scrutiny for mismanaged funds
Fruitless and wasteful expenditure has increased almost a thousand-fold, from R33 000 in 2021/22 to over R30 million during the 2022/23 fiscal year, according to the recently released budget review and recommendations report of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
New FMD outbreak reported in Frankfort, Free State
A new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been reported in the Free State. This is according to a statement by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Farmers need help to survive the drought
The devastating drought, coupled with the grave impact that extreme temperatures have on agricultural producers, calls for government support, Grain SA said in a statement.
Plight of female agricultural workers in the spotlight
Statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) indicate that about 38% of all workers in global agricultural supply chains are female.
Seventh consecutive decline in global food price index
In February, the global food commodity price index, used as a benchmark, recorded its seventh consecutive decline, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Logistical challenges highlighted at Fruit Logistica
South Africa’s logistical challenges came under scrutiny at the highly regarded international fruit and vegetable producers’ gathering.
