South Africa

Despite the fact that South Africa is an agricultural powerhouse, over 20% of its population is food insecure, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). With World Food Day commemorated on 16 October, agricultural organisations are turning their attention to policies that hinder food security.

The agriculture sector will have to reconstruct and re-engineer itself to remain a force 10 and more years from now, according to Johann Kotzé, CEO of Agri SA.

The South African egg industry joins the global celebration of World Egg Day on 11 October, highlighting the essential role that eggs play in both nutrition and economic sustainability.

John Steenhuisen, minister of the Department of Agriculture, recently announced the results of the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey in Pretoria.

The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) is planning on launching the first phase of the red meat traceability system by the start of November.

South African cotton farmers’ yields are double that of the average in Africa, highlighting the importance of having access to genetically modified (GM) seed.

Summer has always been a pivotal season for farmers, but with the rising intensity of heatwaves due to climate change, its impact on agriculture is becoming even more pronounced.

The production of snake antivenom in South Africa has seemingly come to a standstill. The situation is dire, as health practitioners and veterinarians, in particular, are finding it impossible to obtain it.

The importance of renewable energy as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation while South Africa transitions to a low-carbon future was highlighted at Windaba Connect, the precursor to Windaba 2024 in Cape Town.

One person succumbed to the extensive veld fires that recently swept through the Free State districts of Memel and Vrede, resulting in the loss of hundreds of head of livestock, with many more injured.

A Meatmaster carcass came out tops at the Lamb Champs braai championship held by the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) over the weekend of 28 September in Reitz in the Free State.

The South African Sugar Association (SASA) hosted its annual media event from 26 to 27 September at the Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town. The organisation provided an update on the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan to 2030, focusing on progress in phase one and the way forward for phase two.

World Rabies Day, observed on 28 September, focuses on the theme “Breaking Boundaries”. This day highlights the crucial role of vaccination and awareness in combating rabies, a deadly disease that affects both humans and animals.

South African farmers are increasingly relying on innovation and technology to stay competitive in the face of climate variability, rising input costs, and global competition. With 90% of the country’s agricultural production dependent on rainfall, farmers are adopting new technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, emphasised the importance of pragmatism and negotiations to unlock the potential of new and existing markets in an interview with Farmer’s Weekly at Nampo Cape, Bredasdorp, in the Western Cape.

Government has expedited hemp permits for farmers and has issued 1 100 since cannabis was declared an agricultural crop in 2021. However, little attention is being paid to the rest of the value chain, resulting in an abundance of biomass for which there is no market.

Elzabe Rockman, the Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, expressed her sincere appreciation for farmers who went out of their way to assist travellers who were left stranded on the roads during the recent heavy snowfalls in South Africa.

South Africa's agriculture sector may see some relief as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) eased to 4,4% in August, its lowest level since April 2021. This dip, down from 4,6% in July, was driven by lower transport and housing costs, with energy and fuel prices being key contributors.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has lowered the policy rate by 25 basis points to 8% per annum. This will take effect from 20 September, bringing relief to debt-laden consumers and farmers.

After dropping to a 15-year low in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) showed a notable improvement in Q3, rising by 10 points to reach 48. However, the index remains below the neutral 50-point threshold, reflecting persistent concerns within the sector.