Editorial Policy

Last Updated: 11/02/2026

Editorial Policy

1. Our Editorial Mission

Farmers Weekly is committed to delivering accurate, independent, and relevant journalism that serves South Africa’s agricultural sector and the broader African farming community.

Our editorial mission is to inform, support, and empower farmers and agribusiness stakeholders by providing trusted news, expert advice, market insights, policy updates, and analysis that promote a sustainable agricultural sector.

2. Editorial Independence

Farmers Weekly maintains strict editorial independence.

  • Editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors, or commercial partners.
  • Advertisers do not influence newsroom decisions.
  • Sponsored content is clearly identified and separated from editorial content.

Our priority is serving our readers and the agricultural community.

3. Accuracy and Fact-Checking

We are committed to publishing factual and verified information.

Our editorial process includes:

  • Verification of facts through credible and authoritative sources.
  • Seeking comment from relevant stakeholders in disputed matters.
  • Reviewing technical agricultural, policy, and market information before publication.
  • Updating stories when new verified information becomes available.

Accuracy is fundamental to our credibility.

4. Corrections and Updates

If a factual error is identified:

  • We will correct it promptly.
  • Substantial corrections will be clearly indicated.
  • Readers may submit correction requests via: [email protected]

We value transparency and accountability.

5. Sources and Attribution

Farmers Weekly:

  • Credits all original reporting and external sources.
  • Properly attributes research, data, and third-party materials.
  • Respects embargoes and confidentiality agreements.
  • Uses anonymous sources only when necessary and when the information is independently verified.

We do not publish plagiarised material.

6. Opinion, Analysis, and Commentary

Opinion pieces, analysis, and commentary:

  • Are clearly labelled.
  • Reflect the views of the author, not necessarily Farmers Weekly.
  • Must be fact-based and respectful.

We encourage diverse perspectives within the agricultural sector.

7. Sponsored and Branded Content

Sponsored or branded content:

  • Is clearly marked as “Sponsored,” “Advertisement,” or similar.
  • Is produced separately from editorial content.
  • Does not influence newsroom decisions.

Commercial partnerships do not affect editorial integrity.

8. Conflicts of Interest

Our journalists and contributors must:

  • Disclose financial or personal interests relevant to their reporting.
  • Avoid situations that could compromise objectivity.
  • Maintain professional standards in all reporting.

Where necessary, disclosures will be included in published content.

9. Ethical Standards

Farmers Weekly adheres to recognised journalistic principles, including:

  • Fairness and balance
  • Independence
  • Respect for privacy
  • Protection of vulnerable individuals
  • Avoidance of discrimination or hate speech
  • Compliance with South African media laws and regulations

We aim to report responsibly on issues affecting farmers, agribusiness, rural communities, and agricultural policy.

10. Use of Technology and AI

Technology tools may assist with research, production, or workflow. However:

  • All editorial content is reviewed by a human editor.
  • We maintain full editorial oversight.
  • Accuracy and originality remain our responsibility.

11. Community Engagement and Comments

We encourage respectful engagement from readers.

We reserve the right to moderate or remove comments that are:

  • Defamatory
  • Abusive
  • Discriminatory
  • Spam or promotional
  • Off-topic

12. Contact the Editorial Team

For editorial inquiries, corrections, or feedback:

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.farmersweekly.co.za
Location: South Africa