Promising prospects for citrus exports from Zimbabwe
The outlook for citrus exports from Zimbabwe is very favourable, especially in light of the considerable increase in that country’s export volumes to the EU.
‘Eskom’s carbon footprint could hamper agri exports in future’
Eskom’s extensive carbon footprint could mean that South Africa’s agricultural commodities will not be welcomed on international markets in future, due to the global move away from fossil fuel usage.
Fears about potential ban on rice exports from India
The way in which India balances its domestic rice needs against exports could help that country redeem itself after its ban on wheat exports last month.
Thousands of jobs threatened by Ashton canning factory closure
Suppliers of canning fruit to Langeberg and Ashton Foods have been placed in an impossible position after Tiger Brands gave them less than 60 days to come up with more than R200 million to prevent the closure of the factory.
Non-payment of locust officers under the spotlight
Senior officials of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and Agri SA were planning to meet soon to discuss the non-payment of critical service providers in the midst of the worst locust outbreak of the past 25 years.
Records abound at South Africa’s national Ankole auction
The Ankole Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa’s national auction on 18 June raked in more than R21 million in total for the 80 lots on offer.
Plans afoot to return Angola coffee production to former glory
Angola had set its sights on the global coffee market, and two companies have so far invested in the expansion of coffee production in the historical coffee-producing areas of that country.
Farmers warned to keep animals warm as cold weather hits
Despite the cold weather being welcomed by Western Cape grain and fruit farmers, livestock producers have been urged to keep their animals warm as the temperature continues to drop.
‘Politicising stock theft doesn’t help SA’s farmers’
Farmers speaking to politicians about stock theft, rather than reporting it to the South African Police Service (SAPS), is not helping the fight against rural crime. This was according to Willie Clack, chairperson of the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum, who was responding to calls for stronger action against stock thieves.
SA could be in for more riots as inflation rises
The rising unemployment rate, surging inflation and dissatisfaction with government are resulting in an increase in riots, especially those that turn violent. Speaking at the recent Mpumalanga Agriculture annual congress held in White River, political analyst Dr Frans Cronjé discussed the results of a study, which showed that support for the ANC was stagnating on the back of failing service delivery.
Agribusiness confidence still positive
Rising input costs, biosecurity concerns, interest rate hikes, intensified geopolitical risks and ongoing weakness in municipal service delivery are taking their toll on agribusinesses, according to the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index released on 13 June.
Postharvest food losses posed a serious threat to food security
The post-harvest loss (PHL) of food was a serious cause for concern worldwide, particularly in Africa. Globally, approximately 1,3 billion tons of food produced for human consumption were lost every year after harvesting.
Logistical challenges accelerate plum industry fall
Plum production has become economically unviable with the majority of farmers suffering a loss over the past two seasons.
World Bank’s stagnation prediction bad news for SA’s farmers
The World Bank has lowered its expectation of global economic growth for a third time since October, which bodes ill for South African farmers, according to Marlene Louw, senior agricultural economist at Absa AgriBusiness.
‘Cheap poultry imports damage local industry’
There is growing concern among South African poultry producers about ‘cheap’ chicken pieces being imported into South Africa. This was according to Izaak Breitenbach, head of the South African Poultry Association’s Broiler Organisation.
Organic fruit production almost non-existent in South Africa
While organic fruit farming and the demand for organic produce have been growing steadily around the world, South African producers have been slow to adopt this style of production.
Armed conflict and Cyclone Gombe erode food security in Mozambique
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently announced its intention to provide vegetable seed to 23 000 families displaced by the armed conflict in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
Bonsmara bull sells for record-breaking R2,1 million
The bull BBM 16 96 set a new South African record for a Bonsmara when he was sold for R2,1 million at the recent Poggenpoel Molopo Bonsmara Production Sale.
Pig breeders in China go high-tech to improve genetics
In a market that produces almost 700 million pigs a year, breeding pigs that have larger litters, reach slaughter weight quicker and require less feed can make a big difference.
Mixed reaction to South Africa’s latest fuel price increases
The extension of the temporary relief of R1,50/l on the fuel levy by government to try and ease the pressure on South Africans following fuel price increases on Wednesday (1 June), has been widely welcomed.
