Clean-up of chemical spill still underway after KZN unrest
At least 3,5t of dead fish have already been collected following the torching of an agricultural chemical warehouse during the recent civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal.
Good harvests lead to 9% increase in farm jobs
In the second quarter of 2021 (Q2) South Africa’s official unemployment rate increased to its highest level since Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) started publishing its Quarterly Labour Force Survey in 2008.
‘Farm murders and attacks remain extremely concerning’
The fact that 15 people were killed in 181 attacks on farms and smallholdings between April and the end of June this year is extremely concerning.
New project aims to uplift communal wool farmers
Ethical Trade Norway has teamed up with the local organised wool community to help South African woolgrowers farm more sustainably and environmentally friendly.
Rising price of meat adds to monthly CPI jump in July
South Africa’s annual consumer price inflation (CPI) softened further in July to 4,6%, down from 4,9% in June and 5,2% in May.
Unique regional status can unlock value for rooibos industry
Geographic indicators, such as the registering of rooibos with a unique regional status, should be seen as “insurance”, according to Prof Johann Kirsten, director of the Bureau of Economic Research at Stellenbosch University.
‘Fruit and vegetable farmers must demand refunds’
Fruit and vegetable farmers who paid Product Control for Agriculture (Procon) for inspection services since 2017 should demand a refund. This was according to BJ van Zyl, director of ZZ2 and chairperson of the Tomato Producers’ Organisation (TPO).
SA’s agri exports up 30% for first six months of 2021
In the first half of 2021, South Africa’s agricultural exports amounted to about R90,49 billion, which is a 30% year-on-year increase, according to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz.
Protea exports set to increase, despite COVID-19 challenges
Although the recent travel and trade restrictions that resulted from the third wave of COVID-19 infections exacerbated the export challenges faced by the cut flower industry, it is expected that protea and fynbos exports will increase by more than 18% in the 2020/2021 season.
North West red meat abattoir tender cancelled
The North West Department of Agriculture has cancelled a tender for a low throughput red meat abattoir at its training facility at the Kgora Farmer Training Centre in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
Early predictions all positive for SA’s 2021 wheat harvest
Production conditions for wheat are currently very good and should they continue, an excellent 2021/2022 South African wheat crop can be expected.
Fires destroy vast tracks of Northern Cape, North West
Farmers in the Northern Cape and North West have suffered severe losses since Friday, 6 August, due to extensive wildfires.
‘Limited data is stunting organic fruit farming’
A lack of relevant farming information is keeping South African fruit farmers from capitalising on the growing global demand for organic fruit, according to Hein Coetzee, CEO of TopFruit.
Decline in stock theft prevents R100 million in losses
This year, South Africa has seen a decline in livestock theft across all provinces for the first time, which has resulted in a cumulative ‘saving’ of about R100 million for the period.
KZN farmers donate food aid despite suffering hardship
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) and Agri SA have distributed food donations to the value of more than R5 million in an attempt to return order and stability to the deep rural parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following last month’s civil unrest.
Good harvests, low interest spur 27% rise in tractor sales
Following two exceptional seasons of good rainfall across South Africa, the current lower interest rates have now prompted the replacement and replenishment of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Fuel price hike will erode recent gains in farming sector
The fuel price increase that comes into effect on Wednesday, 4 August as announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, will wipe out any gains made from earlier lower prices.
‘Uncertified venison could hurt the industry’
The future growth of the game meat industry is being hindered by meat sales that do not meet legal specifications and health regulations.
Farmers told to prepare for delays in fertiliser deliveries
The cyber-attack on Transnet’s IT systems, along with the destruction caused by the recent civil unrest, could severely affect the availability of fertiliser for the current cropping season, according to Dr Pieter Haumann, CEO of the Fertilizer Association of South Africa (Fertasa).
Farming bodies join hands to supply food aid after unrest
Following the recent civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng that left many communities without access to basic staple food items, several agricultural organisations have joined forces to donate tons of food items to those in need.
