Over half of SA’s wastewater treatment works are failing
It is hoped that a recent High Court judgement will ensure that municipal wastewater treatment works cease polluting nearby freshwater and land resources.
Macadamia prices hold firm amid smaller crop
The global 2020 macadamia crop suffered a blow as yields dropped 3% amid unfavourable weather conditions. Although sales have, for the most part, held firm over the past few months, this reduction in supply could serve to benefit farmers in terms of prices paid for the nuts.
Grain research project to unlock SA plant breeding capacity
The Grain Research Programme has been established to directly engage with grain stakeholders in an attempt to initiate research that will support the sector by identifying future challenges and exploring solutions, including extension and disease/pest diagnostic services.
Bumper blueberry harvest hits a snag with high export costs
South Africa is expecting a bumper blueberry harvest this season, but difficulties with air freighting are posing a challenge for exporters.
GDP figures worst in SA’s history – economist
South Africa's economy took a not unexpected nosedive during the second quarter of 2020, a period that contained the lion’s share of the country’s five-week long hard lockdown which brought a halt to most economic activity.
Rooibos prices fall sharply this season
The price of rooibos has fallen from an all-time record of R67/kg in 2018, to the lowest in years this season, due to supply and demand being out of sync.
Largest crop in a decade will cause drop in SA wheat imports
The 2020/2021 production forecast for winter grains is looking promising, with bumper crops expected after difficult production conditions during the previous season.
More ‘extreme’ weather expected for SA before summer
Livestock farmers have been warned to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their animals, as the windy and cold weather conditions currently being experienced across most parts of country are expected to persist for the rest of the week.
Easing of lockdown reignites fears over ‘chicken dumping’
Any gains intended by South Africa’s Poultry Sector Master Plan to reinvigorate the country’s long-ailing broiler value chain will be severely compromised should large-scale dumping of imported chicken meat onto the local market resume.
40 000 bikers protest against farm murders and rural crime
Nearly 40 000 motorcycle riders converged on the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday, 29 August, to protest against farm attacks and racism in South Africa.
Women in agriculture still face ‘outdated’ perceptions
Women who work in the agriculture sector are still battling the perception that farming is a ‘man’s job.’
COVID-19 pushes SA citrus exports to the US to new highs
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in positive market demand for citrus, causing an upsurge in prices, according to Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa.
‘Chickens come home to roost’ for Land Bank
Farmers who will require financing from the Land Bank in the near future will encounter difficulties in accessing such funding due to the bank’s current liquidity challenges.
High court gives go-ahead for exporting of 56 000 live sheep
The South African Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) has welcomed today’s (25 August) judgment by the Grahamstown High Court to permit the exporting of up to 56 000 live sheep in a single shipment by sea from the East London Harbour.
True data on informal farming sector vital – BFAP report
There are large gaps in the available agricultural production data, particularly when it comes to the contribution of smallholder farmers to the informal agricultural economy in South Africa.
COVID-19 farmer support vouchers extended to 30 September
The period for which vouchers issued as part of the COVID-19 Disaster Agricultural Support Fund are valid has been extended to 30 September.
Table grape industry looks towards Asia for market growth
Despite efforts made by the South African table grape industry to attain a more diversified export market portfolio there has, since 2013, only been a 5% change in the market composition of table grape exports.
Hard times ahead for farmers, despite short-term gains – BFAP
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, South Africa’s agriculture sector has emerged as the shining light of the economy, growing 27,8% in the first quarter of 2020.
Government failures are holding agriculture back – Karaan
Despite a host of challenges that ranged from government ineptitude to South Africa’s poor economic outlook and global threats such as climate change, the country’s farming sector was expected to perform well this year.
Quarantine lifted on nine FMD-affected properties in Limpopo
Quarantine restrictions have been lifted on nine of the 19 properties affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Limpopo since November 2019. This was according to a statement issued today by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department).
