South Africa

SAnews.gov.za reported that the Mala Mala land claim was settled at the beginning of January at an amount of just over R939 million – or R71 250/ha.

Avocado growers have been warned to ensure that avocados are properly matured before harvesting, as the sale of immature avocados is now prohibited, said the Subtropical Growers Association (Subtrop).

After a year of debate, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has published new brining regulations, setting the maximum amount of flavoured water, salts and/or colorants that may be injected into individual poultry portions at 15%.

South African chicken processors regularly come under fire for injecting brine into chicken pieces, but those who object to this process should know things could be worse!

Western Cape farmers are bracing themselves for more rain as the unseasonal downpours continue in the province.

KwaZulu-Natal police have been praised for swiftly recapturing Sthembiso Shabalala (34), charged with the August 2012 murder of Richmond farmer Rob Anderson (39).

The DA has queried the lawfulness of the fishing rights allocation process after thousands of applicants were unsuccessful and subsequently without a source of income.

The ostrich industry’s challenge for 2014 is to successfully establish heat-treated ostrich meat products as mainstream commodities in European markets.

The election will play a big role in the economy this year.

The sugarcane industry experienced tight financial conditions in 2013 and these were likely to continue into 2014.

Cotton production is expected to double this year, amid higher prices due to a weaker rand.

Large-scale red meat exports from Namibia and Botswana have scaled down, which is likely to push weaner prices up.