South Africa

Global access to the latest seed technology will play a vital role in food security as climate change increasingly hinders food production.

The Department of Water and Sanitation recently published a draft in which it proposed that certain enterprises would need up to 75% black shareholding to apply for water licences. The shareholding requirement would depend on the volume of water applied for or the area covered, in the case of commercial forestry.

South Africa’s unemployment rate increased by 0,2% to 32,9% from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023, according to Statistics South Africa’s recently released Quarterly Labour Force Survey.

Low inventories of eggs and chickens at the retail level have sparked rumours that the sale of poultry products is being halted to curb the spread of avian influenza to consumers.

The crime statistics for January to March 2023, released on Tuesday, show that communities, especially agricultural communities, are left to safeguard their families, properties and businesses by themselves.

Free State Agriculture (FSA) has expressed serious concern about the impact of load-shedding on producer prices for red meat.

South Africa’s annual consumer inflation rate slowed to 6,8% in April 2023 from 7,1% in March. Although a small change, it does represent the lowest reading since May 2022, when the rate was 6,5%.

A potential crisis in animal health as well as food safety and security looms in South Africa because of a shortage of veterinarians in the country.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) expects above-normal rainfall for most parts of the country in early winter. For the southern coastal areas and the south-west, the mid- to late winter forecast is above-normal and below-normal rainfall respectively.

Grain SA (GSA) succeeded in creating an excellent platform for local and international agricultural suppliers and manufacturers to introduce the latest and most advanced global technology.

Government recently approved anti-dumping duties, ranging between 8,8% to 239%, on frozen potato chips imported from the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

Grain SA’s annual Nampo Harvest Day (16-19 May 2023) offers an incomparable opportunity for all players in the agricultural value chain to network, learn about cutting-edge agriculture technology, and do business. This was according to Grain SA chairperson Derek Mathews.

The rand has taken a severe tumble over the past 24 hours, reaching an all-time low at one stage of R19,51/US$1. The currency’s free fall, which has accelerated the downward trend of South Africa’s exchange rate, comes as public speculation mounts over the country’s alleged supplying of weapons to Russia for its war against Ukraine.

The recent announcement by Design Biologix, a vaccine researcher, developer and manufacturer, that it has registered a bluetongue vaccine for South Africa has been welcomed by the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO).

The development of traditional agricultural areas, previously known as reserves, will be a key priority during the coming financial year, according to Minister Thoko Didiza of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Didiza made the announcement during her budget speech, which was delivered on 9 May.

The 2023 veld fire season could potentially develop into one of the most problematic fire seasons in recent memory. According to a statement issued by the Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Association (FSUFPA), one of the reasons for this was the abundant rain during the past three summers that resulted in a very high moribund biomass fuel load.

Farmers in the Lowveld are facing severe pressure as commodity prices for subtropical crops dip while input costs rise rapidly.

Farmers intend to plant 542 600ha of wheat in the 2023 production season, 4% less than last season’s 566 800ha, according to the latest report by the Crop Estimates Committee.

While the South African government was supposed to be the agriculture sector’s most important partner, it had failed in taking up its responsibility and had left the sector and the country as a whole despondent. This was according to Francois Strydom, chairperson of Agbiz.

Increasing yields and rising local demand have resulted in a good season for dragon fruit farmers. Harvest started in November and will wrap up by May.