South Africa

Four friends from Pretoria are jet skiing along South Africa’s coastline to shine a spotlight on the pressures farmers face and the toll on their mental health, through the Coast 2 Coast 4 Farmers initiative.

Tackling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the new risks to producers stemming from the Middle East conflict were among the major concerns discussed during the passing of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s latest budget vote. An increase of R128,5 million to R1,14 billion for 2026/2027 was approved compared to last year’s budget.

Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe visited Qhimirha Village in Sterkspruit last week to hand over infrastructure and machinery worth more than R1,6 million to help subsistence farmers improve wool and mohair quality and move towards commercial production.

The 2026 Eastern Cape Budget Speech, delivered by MEC for Finance Mlungisi Mvoko on 13 March at the provincial legislature, highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to driving inclusive economic growth, supporting small businesses, and expanding agricultural value chains.

South Africa has once again demonstrated its world-class shearing expertise after delivering an outstanding performance at the Golden Shears World Championships in Masterton, New Zealand.

The ongoing war in the Middle East, which has disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, has far-reaching consequences for South African fruit exports.

The ongoing implementation of Rainbow Chicken Limited’s growth strategy, combined with strong demand for chicken, lower input costs, and a strengthening rand against the US dollar, boosted the company’s financial performance for the second half of 2025.

Delivering his report at the 2026 Grain SA Congress at Nampo Park in Bothaville earlier this week, newly re-elected Grain SA chairperson Richard Krige said players need to roll up their sleeves and work together to thrive in the current agricultural landscape.

South Africa’s agribusiness confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the third quarter of 2024, weighed down by the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

The macadamia industry is cautiously optimistic as new markets and reduced tariffs bode well for demand this year. Prices released this week reflect a maturing market, moving away from the sharp swings seen over the past decade.

The 2026 International Conference on Business Models in Agriculture, held from 8 to 10 March in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, brought researchers, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, and development practitioners together to examine how innovative business models can strengthen food systems and promote inclusive economic growth.

Addressing more than 250 grain farmers at the 2026 Grain SA Congress at Nampo Park in Bothaville on 11 to 12 March, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said it was a privilege to engage with those producing the staple crops that sustain South Africa.

Private companies and industry organisations are helping to accelerate the delivery of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines across South Africa, enabling faster rollout in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal as authorities work to contain outbreaks.

As previously reported by Farmer’s Weekly, a strategic partnership between the Bjatladi Communal Property Association, which holds the title to Zebediela Citrus Estate for the community, and Women Investment Portfolio Holdings aims to revive the once-renowned estate after years of neglect.

South Africa’s agricultural sector was one of the strongest contributors to the country’s economic growth in 2025, according to Statistics South Africa.

The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) has appointed Jabu Mphambo as acting CEO, effective 9 February, following Themba Rikhotso’s resignation earlier this year.

Refrigerated vehicles funded by industry partners are transporting thousands of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines to veterinary clinics serving KwaZulu-Natal’s high-risk dairy district, helping ensure rapid vaccination while maintaining the critical cold chain.

Dole South Africa and the Mahela Group recently announced that they are entering a joint 50% shareholding partnership in Letaba Pakkers. This transaction brings together two significant and established role players in the subtropical fruit industry.

The South African avocado industry entered its main harvesting season in March and is expecting a significantly larger crop, but stronger competition from Peru in key export markets is likely to temper optimism.

South Africa is expected to exit the 2025/26 La Niña phase in April, moving towards neutral ocean and atmospheric conditions. Meteorologists say this shift may stabilise rainfall patterns, while agricultural economists.