IDC grants R85 million for sugar farmers affected by unrest
The sugar industry has expressed relief and gratitude for the Industrial Development Corporation’s (IDC) pledge of R85 million in financial assistance for the damage suffered during the civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal during July.
Brexit brings an end to ‘cheap food’ for UK shoppers
The twin crises of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic are resulting in a tidal wave of soaring costs for the UK’s food industry, with supply chains coming under increasing pressure.
‘Livestock farming remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s economy’
The Namibian agriculture sector’s contribution to that country’s GDP grew from 4,5% in 2019 to almost 6,6% in 2020.
Poor timing for a fuel price increase – Grain SA
Any fuel price increases in November will cost South Africa’s grain producers dearly, Grain SA economist, Luan van der Walt, has warned.
Avian flu flares up among wild birds in the Western Cape
The ostrich industry is on high alert following the latest flare up of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) among wild birds in the Western Cape.
Year-to-date tractor and combine sales up by 30%
The strong performance in agriculture machinery sales in September can be attributed to an optimistic outlook for the upcoming season, with weather experts predicting a 70% chance of a La Niña weather pattern in the Southern Hemisphere.
Farming ‘essential’ for growth in communal areas – Didiza
In government’s view, South Africa’s proposed Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan should focus on positioning the local agriculture sector as an essential industry in terms of national economic growth and development.
Farmers have to make things work for themselves – Vercueil
The uncertainty about private property rights, diminishing collateral value of land, poverty, food insecure communities, a population that is growing faster than the economy, security problems, and climate change all work together to create an atmosphere of negativity in South Africa.
Concern about SA’s livestock vaccine shortages
With above-average rainfall expected, the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) has expressed concern about vaccine shortages.
Senior Joburg Market official charged with R5,5 million fraud
Corruption and fraud are endemic in South Africa, with such deeds more often than not carried out by people with a misplaced sense of entitlement.
Mpumalanga agriculture MEC murder accusation met with shock
Mpumalanga Agriculture has expressed disappointment about the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Land and Environmental Affairs in Mpumalanga, Mandla Msibi, being accused of violent crimes, and the potential impact his dismissal will have on the agriculture sector.
‘Import restrictions could save Namibia’s dairy sector’
In order to save Namibia’s ailing dairy industry the industry would have to restrict the volume of imported dairy products.
Maintenance issues impeding KZN sugar-milling capacity
With only eight weeks of milling left until the industry’s annual shutdown period, the crops of many sugar cane farmers are being turned away by sugar mills due to diminished capacity.
Backlash from consumers as beef prices surge in the US
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, beef prices in the US have increased by as much as 30%. Some analysts have attributed this to rising inflation, which has pushed up consumer goods’ prices across the board.
Women farmers worst affected by inequality in food systems
Women account for about 50% of all farmers in East Africa and Southern Africa, with around 70% of them living in poverty and being disproportionately affected by extreme weather and the loss of agricultural property.
‘Retired vets can help with health inspections’
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) is rallying support to have retired and private-sector veterinarians strengthen government’s animal health inspections.
Chemical company blamed for environmental damage after riots
A criminal case has been opened against United Phosphorous Limited (UPL) in connection with the chemical spill that ensued after the company’s factory was burnt down during the civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal during July.
Northern Cape wildfires destroy 445 000ha of veld in 2021
The wildfires that decimated large parts of the Northern Cape have not only resulted in millions of rand in damage, but also left emotional scars on local inhabitants.
Agri department to appoint new DG ‘probably by year end’
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is in the process of appointing a new director general (DG), according to department spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo.
More than 900 developing farmers benefit from SAB support
South African Breweries (SAB) is on track to invest R1 billion into the South African economy by the end of 2021, as part of the five-year merger conditions of the AB InBev acquisition of SABMiller.
