Celebrating global conservation efforts on World Rhino Day
Saving Africa’s rhinos requires a multi-dimensional strategy, with private game reserves and national parks co-operating, and anti-poaching efforts working in tandem with education campaigns. This was according to Joe Cloete, CEO of Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
‘Rolling blackouts threaten SA’s food security and exports’
The current rolling blackouts experienced across South Africa have dealt a devastating blow to the agricultural industry.
Nampo Cape going from strength to strength – Agri SA
Following a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nampo Cape, which started on Wednesday (14 September) is currently underway in Bredasdorp, and will run until Saturday, 17 September.
Consumer resistance driving down mutton, lamb prices
The current decline in lamb and mutton prices can largely be attributed to the extremely high carcass prices of up to R110/kg, seen a month ago.
Frustration over neglect of Tshwane Market
A lack of maintenance has frustrated farmers to the point where Potatoes South Africa has called for the privatisation of the Tshwane Market.
Farms under threat after Jagersfontein mining disaster
Reports of serious environmental damage have already been received following the collapse of a tailings dam at an abandoned diamond mine near Jagersfontein in the Free State on Sunday.
Cattle industry welcomes lifting of ban on livestock movement
Industry leaders have welcomed Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza’s decision to lift the countrywide ban on the movement of cattle introduced to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
Mixed results expected for SA’s agricultural exports in 2022
South Africa’s agricultural exports saw a 12% or about R51 billion quarter-on-quarter increase during the second quarter of the year, according to the latest trade data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday (6 September).
Global market forces keep South Africa’s food prices high
While a recent survey found that a large proportion of South Africans struggled to afford three meals per day, food affordability would have been worse if farmers did not produce food as abundantly as they had in recent years.
Grave concern about sheep scab outbreak in the Northern Cape
Role players in the Northern Cape’s agricultural industry have called for everything possible to be done to prevent the spread of sheep scab, also known as brandsiekte, in the province.
Third La Niña-season forecast raises fears of potential crop damage
Farmers in South Africa’s summer rainfall regions should prepare for a third consecutive high-rainfall season, which could lead to flooding, waterlogged lands, and crop damage.
Plant-based industry welcomes interdict preventing food seizures
ProVeg International has hailed the recent interdict awarded to the South African Consumer Goods Council, to prevent the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) and its designated assignee, the Food Safety Agency, from seizing any plant-based meat alternative products deemed to be in breach of Regulation 1 283 of the Agricultural Product Standards Act No. 199 of 1990.
‘Unfair’ trade bans threaten agriculture jobs in South Africa
The lack of action taken to have agricultural import bans imposed by Botswana, and more recently Namibia, lifted is creating a feeling among South African fresh produce farmers that government has failed them.
New guidelines for producing boerewors in South Africa
Good news for South African consumers is that government recently published a detailed set of standards for the manufacturing of boerewors.
Exploring alternatives to the Port of Durban
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa and multinational logistics company DP World, which holds the concession to operate the export terminal at the Port of Maputo, recently hosted stakeholders on a tour of the facilities in Mozambique.
SA wool producers ‘elated’ about re-opening of the Chinese market
South African wool producers have expressed jubilation about the lifting of the ban on wool exports to China.
‘Rural schools closure threatens the future of farming’
The Department of Basic Education’s drive to close “uneconomical schools” in rural areas is threatening the future sustainability of the farming sector.
Concern about FMD-vaccinated cattle not being branded
Agri North West has expressed concern about the fact that cattle that had been vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the province were not being branded by government officials as was legally required.
‘Stakeholders need to unite to sustain agri growth’
Participants at the virtual launch of the BFAP Baseline Outlook 2022-2023 report on Wednesday, 18 August expressed optimism about the long-term growth of the agriculture sector, despite the challenges outlined in the report.
SA dog breeders warned about canine brucellosis
Canine brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Brucella canis, could threaten the fertility of dogs being bred in South Africa, according to Dr Kurt de Cramer, a veterinarian at the Rant-en-Dal Animal Hospital in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
