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...
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.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco producers earn less despite increased exports
Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports increased markedly in the first two months of 2024. A total volume of 56 500t of tobacco was exported in January and February.
Zambia diversifies and revives cashew production
Zambia’s production of cashew nuts has stagnated since the early 1990s due to a lack of education, contact with extension officers and input costs such as fertiliser and pesticides.
Macadamia farmers explore new markets amid price challenges
Macadamia prices paid to farmers reached rock bottom last year, leading to many farmers seeking alternative markets for their nuts rather than the traditional approach of selling to local processors.
Agri GDP growth under pressure
The agricultural, forestry and fisheries industry shrunk by 9,7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, and 12,2% year-on-year, according to the latest GDP results released by Statistics South Africa.
Taung farmers receive harvester to boost crop production
Huge benefits for North West farmers as they receive much-needed equipment, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Illegal orchards under scrutiny in US-Mexico avocado trade
Environmental and legal uncertainty is threatening the integrity of the international avocado market, amid rising concerns about illegal avocado orchards in Mexico.
Game industry continues its upward trajectory
Prices paid for nyala on auction has risen steadily, with bulls going from an average of R9 300 in 2022 to R14 000 in 2023. The game industry is continuing...
Fuel price increase will hurt consumers and logistics companies
With yet another fuel price hike on the horizon for March, the potential impact on the already under-pressure agriculture sector raises concerns about heightened production costs, reduced profit margins, and...
Live export of animals under fire
The National Council for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (NSPCA) has called for a complete ban of livestock exports via sea following the discovery of the...
New vaccine plant to help Zambia combat FMD
Zambia is mobilising US$22 million (about R415 million) to set up a veterinary medicine production plant to help mitigate the high rate of cattle and other animal fatalities that have...
Extra cargo service to boost citrus exports
In a strategic move to strengthen South Africa’s citrus export capabilities, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has revealed plans for an additional direct cargo service from the port of Ngqura...
Corporates and wine sector lose, while sugar wins in Budget 2024
The chickens have come home to roost for government who has seen a large decrease in tax income as a result of the malfunctioning of state-owned enterprises like Eskom and...
Lack of transparency clouds touted land claim progress
The South African government has to date spent R25 billion to settle land claims. Hectares bought and transferred to land claimants equate to 3,9 million.
Pig farm quarantined after outbreak of African swine fever
Pig farmers have been advised to strengthen biosecurity measures to protect their pigs against African swine fever.
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