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 its recovery after receiving two blows over the past few years.
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 potential ripple effects on food prices for consumers.
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 abhorrent condition in which animals were kept on the Al Kuwait, which docked in Cape Town last week to load feed on its way from Brazil to Iraq.
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 affected local farms.
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 to northern Europe.
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 Transnet.
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.
Macadamias are on the mend
The macadamia nut industry is entering a recovery phase as low prices stimulate demand and value-adding. Over the last two years, the crop fetched significantly lower prices as world economies took a downturn after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
