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.
Poultry market inquiry unnecessary, says SAPA
The Competition Commission has launched a market inquiry into the poultry industry value chain to determine whether there are any market features that impede, restrict or distort competition.
Poor machinery sales for South Africa
With another potentially massive fuel price increase on the cards for the country in March, South Africa’s poor agricultural machinery sales may be set to continue into the year.
Massive crop losses for Canadian fruit farmers after ‘deep freeze’
Fruit farmers in British Columbia in Canada are calling for government assistance to survive after entire crops of fruit such as peaches, plums, cherries and nectarines were wiped out.
ARC conference highlights innovative SA agricultural research
Opening the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s (DALLRD) joint conference that was held recently at the ARC Roodeplaat, agriculture minister Thoko Didiza said that this event was celebrating and showcasing the innovative work of researchers at the ARC and government.
Wheat developments to boost farmers’ profitability
A shift from wheat quality to wheat yields in the approval of new varieties promises to increase yields by up to 5%, according to Corné Louw, senior economist at Grain SA.
World Pulses Day highlights this miracle food
World Pulses Day on 10 February is of particular importance this year as the food sector the world over seeks solutions to improve soil health and increase food security.
