New Zealand’s livestock ‘burp tax’ aims to cut greenhouse gasses
Farmers in New Zealand have condemned the government’s proposed new levy aimed at taxing the greenhouse gasses that farm animals emit when burping and urinating.
Agriculture remains vital for economic growth – Ramaphosa
The agriculture sector plays a critical role in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. This was the message from President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered by the Minister of Agriculture,...
Establishment of National Biosecurity Hub widely welcomed
Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have welcomed the establishment of South Africa’s new National Biosecurity Hub.
Rise in soya bean production expected to continue
The expected 1,33% increase in soya bean production announced in the Crop Estimates Committee’s (CEC) September crop forecast is testament to the growing awareness of soya bean’s value as a...
Agri stakeholders speak out about grave impact of Transnet strike
The current strike action by the United National Transport Union and the South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union is the last thing the South African economy needs at the...
Italy’s right-wing coalition sets agenda for agriculture
Among the main issues related to agriculture that Italy’s new right-wing coalition, which will be forming a government in the next few weeks, is expected to address, are food sovereignty...
Locust outbreaks expected to increase this season
Following the first brown locust outbreak in the Northern Cape, there are fears that locust numbers could get out of hand due to vast areas of vacant land in the...
Consumers switch to chicken as lamb and beef prices rise
The South African poultry industry is expected to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels following increased demand for chicken meat amid higher beef and lamb prices.
Heatwave, blackouts double whammy for Limpopo farmers
The heatwave experienced during the week of 3 October along with Stage 4 rolling blackouts have delivered a double blow to Limpopo’s crop and livestock farmers.
‘High diesel prices will continue to drive up production costs’
The latest increase in diesel prices is a severe blow to grain farmers, according to André Kirsten, vice-chairperson of Grain SA’s Winter Grain working group.
Serious concern about the future of Namibia’s meat export entity
The latest financial woes of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) have raised concerns about the financial future of this state-owned entity. This was according Thinus Pretorius, chairperson of Namibia’s...
Switzerland rejects plan to ban ‘factory farming’
Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to ban intensive farming in a referendum held on 25 September to establish whether Switzerland's strict animal welfare legislation needs to be further tightened.
Agri stakeholders express concern about passing of Expropriation Bill
The National Assembly passed the Expropriation Bill as referred to it by the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure without addressing the “serious flaws” in the bill, according to...
Organised agriculture welcomes progress in Estina Dairy case
Agricultural role players have welcomed the arrest and court appearance of a further three people in the Estina Dairy corruption case. The accused appeared in court on 28 September on...
R1,9 million allocated to fighting crime in rural areas
The farming community’s safety is directly related to food security in South Africa. Thus, the vulnerability of the country’s farming and rural communities to crime is a problem not only...
Botswanan citrus farmers join Citrus Growers’ Association
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has welcomed a decision by Botswanan growers to join the association. According to Justin Chadwick, CEO of the CGA, the organisation looked...
‘Tight margins call for prudent spending by SA’s farmers’
Despite the current high commodity prices, farmers should be prudent when spending money this year.
‘Agri sector outlook cautiously optimistic, despite challenges’
The deterioration in the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) for the third quarter of 2022 was expected, given the spike in fuel prices, rampant food inflation, and the weakening of...
Latest interest rate hike expected to dampen agri expansion in SA
The announcement by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Thursday (22 September) that its benchmark lending rate is being increased by 75 basis points to 6,25% will mean that...
Fertiliser shortage threatens farming, food security in Europe
With international economists predicting that the EU is heading for a “deep recession,” the latest challenge facing the region is a shortage of fertiliser for agricultural production.
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