Clayton Swart
Clayton Swart is a journalist, editor and communications manager with experience across South Africa and Europe, travelling extensively to major international trade shows. He has written for leading news publishers and global agriculture media, specialising in storytelling that connects people worldwide.
Organic and natural products present growing market for SA farmers
South African farmers and small business owners across the continent should diversify their offerings and capitalise on growing consumer demand for organic and natural products.
SMMEs and innovation in focus at organic products expo
The importance of agriculture that provides the basis for so many organic and natural products once again stood out at the 2026 Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa. The event took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre earlier this month.
More SA citrus to reach world markets in 2026
South Africa’s citrus industry is set for another strong season this year, with higher export volumes expected. According to Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, harvesting and exports are set to ramp up in the coming weeks.
What lies beneath: insights from a soil scientist
The 2025/26 fruit and wine harvests are drawing to a close after a hot, dry start, heavy rain at peak harvest, and a March heatwave, creating uncertainty across the Western Cape. Karen van der Westhuizen, a soil scientist and irrigation consultant, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about the benefits of digging profile holes.
Western Cape livestock farmers to receive R22m in fodder support
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has approved R22 million in risk-reduction relief to provide fodder support to around 1 100 livestock farmers affected by ongoing dry grazing conditions linked to climate variability.
Philippines enjoys first taste of SA’s sweet grapes
Consumers in the Philippines are now enjoying ‘the sweet difference’ from South Africa’s first commercial shipment of table grapes that arrived in that market. Apples and pears from South Africa will follow next as exports to the Philippines.
Fertiliser sharp price increases a major concern for farmers
South Africa’s immediate fertiliser supply is said to be sufficient, but higher diesel prices, as well shipping delays in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the Middle East, will greatly impact farmers across South Africa, according to key industry players.
Foskor halts MAP supply while phosphate supplies run low
Foskor, South Africa’s only vertically integrated producer of phosphate ore and phosphate-based fertilisers, has no mono-ammonium phosphate available, according to an industry source who asked to remain anonymous.
Middle East remains ‘complex, uncertain’ for SA fruit exports
With the conflict-affected Middle Eastern trading environment becoming increasingly complex and uncertain, Farmer’s Weekly spoke to a South African fruit exporter and a Saudi Arabia-based importer about challenges on the ground.
