Russian export ban could scupper Black Sea grain deal, G7 warned
There are renewed fears that the deal brokered by the UN and Turkey in July 2022, which guarantees safe passage for grain trapped in Ukraine’s Black Sea ports due to...
‘Government is failing SA’s agri sector’ – Agbiz
While the South African government was supposed to be the agriculture sector’s most important partner, it had failed in taking up its responsibility and had left the sector and the...
Zambia fights damaging cassava root rot outbreak
This virus threatens to cause widespread hunger as it devastates cassava plantations in Zambia.
Dragon fruit yields and sales on an upward curve
Increasing yields and rising local demand have resulted in a good season for dragon fruit farmers. Harvest started in November and will wrap up by May.
Intensive livestock production under threat as Eskom tariff hike bites
The Eskom tariff increase of 18,5%, which kicked in at the start of April, is driving up the cost of intensive layer, broiler and pork production, and making it increasingly...
Free State MEC promises ‘millions’ to ramp up cannabis production
There is hope that a new focus on cannabis production in the Free State will boost job creation and economic activity in the province.
Vaccinate animals against lumpy skin disease, farmers warned
Lumpy skin disease has been reported in all provinces since the start of the year, with communal farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal being most affected, according to Dr...
Increasing inflation sparks fear of recession
The ongoing increase in food prices has raised concern over South Africa’s growth outlook, as inflation adds to a basket of factors sending the country towards a recession.
‘Pesticide-reduction laws will increase resistance’
The global streamlining of chemicals allowed on food products will render many crop-protection chemicals illegal by 1 June 2024, heightening risk for farmers already battling pests.
Massive cockroach outbreak in South Africa
Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, CropLife South Africa’s (CropLife SA) operations and stewardship manager, issued a serious warning against the use of chemical products registered for agricultural purposes in an effort to...
Wine grape harvest set to be smallest in 19 years
SA Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS) recently revised the wine grape harvest estimate downward for the fourth time, making it the smallest harvest in 19 years.
US orange harvest expected to reach 86-year low this season
The 2022/23 orange crop in the US is forecast to be the smallest since 1937, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
