Latest News & Developments
agriculture
Women on Farms Project calls for urgent ban on cyanamide pesticide
Women on Farms Project urges an immediate ban on cyanamide, a highly hazardous pesticide still used in South Africa despite its EU prohibition, citing serious health risks for farm workers.
Kleinfontein community accuses Tshwane of delaying rezoning process
Kleinfontein residents accuse the City of Tshwane of neglecting their long-standing rezoning application, highlighting their self-sufficiency and the need for formalisation.
How Trump's tariffs impact South Africa's billionaires and threaten thousands of jobs
Donald Trump’s trade tariffs protected South Africa’s richest but put thousands of jobs at risk in one of the world’s most unequal countries.
South African red meat producers concerned about market spillover effects of Trump tariffs
South African agricultural associations express concern over potential US tariffs on exports, highlighting the implications for the red meat industry and broader agricultural sector.
Trade Minister Parks Tau vows to seek clarity on Donald Trump’s 30 percent tariffs
Trade Minister, Parks Tau, expresses confusion over the US' newly imposed 30% tariffs on South African exports, highlighting potential economic disruptions in key sectors.
Controversy erupts as KZN agriculture department's tractor theft claims questioned
A Facebook user has publicly challenged the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, claiming their official statements about recent tractor theft arrests contain multiple inaccuracies and misleading information. The controversy raises questions about government communication standards and transparency.
Market diversity is essential for SA's agricultural exports amid geopolitics and trade risks
South Africa's agricultural exports have grown remarkably from R22. 4 billion in 2004 to R251 billion in 2024. However, recent trade disputes highlight the risks of market concentration. This analysis examines how South Africa is shifting from European dominance to broader market diversification across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and why this strategy is critical for future trade resilience.
Western Cape backs Ramaphosa's cannabis and hemp foodstuffs decision
The Western Cape Government has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to lift the ban on cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs, marking a significant step towards regulatory reform in South Africa's agricultural sector.
Western Cape Government applauds President Ramaphosa's reversal of cannabis edibles ban
Western Cape Government welcomes the lifting of the cannabis edibles ban, promoting public consultation and economic growth opportunities.
Agbiz warns of alarming rise in food insecurity despite agricultural export success
Recent data reveals a troubling rise in food insecurity in South Africa, with the percentage of affected households increasing from 15. 8% in 2019 to 19. 7% in 2023. Experts from Agbiz and civil society organisations express concern over the implications for consumers, particularly low-income households, amidst rising food prices.
Revitalising South Africa’s seed systems: a call for inclusive reform
South Africa’s agricultural sector stands at a crossroads. Whilst the country boasts one of the most industrialised seed industries on the continent, it remains inaccessible to a significant portion of smallholder farmers. A recent policy gap analysis by the Agricultural Research Council and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network reveals alarming disparities in South Africa’s seed systems.
Foot and mouth disease threatens red meat farming in KZN as outbreak escalates
Red meat farming associations express concern over the spread of foot and mouth disease in KwaZulu-Natal, as the government extends the Disease Management Area to control the outbreak.
KZN's Foot and Mouth Disease crisis expands: New control measures announced
Strict new movement controls imposed on KZN livestock farmers as Foot and Mouth Disease spreads to Newcastle, prompting Minister Steenhuisen to significantly expand containment zones. Essential measures affect multiple municipalities with immediate effect.
BRICS+ Series: The Rise of a Global Grain Powerhouse
BRICS+ is emerging as a global grain powerhouse, controlling over 50% of production and reshaping agricultural trade. With the 2024 launch of the BRICS+ Grain Exchange, the bloc is reducing reliance on Western markets, stabilisng prices, and enhancing food security. Much like OPEC with oil, BRICS+ could soon dictate global grain supply and pricing, redefining economic sovereignty.
South African agribusiness confidence rises to a three-year high amid recovery
Agbiz's latest Agribusiness Confidence Index reveals a significant rise in optimism among South African agribusinesses, driven by favourable weather conditions and improved market dynamics
Boost in South Africa's grain harvest brings hope to farmers
Farming associations in South Africa celebrate a projected 11% increase in the harvest, as the Crop Estimates Committee reveals promising forecasts for maize, sunflower, and soybean production.
How bureaucratic delays led to the collapse of South Africa's R2. 5bn groundnut roasting industry - Donald MacKay
A 50-month delay in processing a simple tariff increase application has led to the closure of South Africa's groundnut roasting industry, highlighting the devastating impact of bureaucratic inefficiency on local businesses.
South African citrus industry poised for growth despite challenges
Discover how South Africa's citrus industry is on the brink of transformation, as leaders gather at the Citrus Summit to confront challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth
SA agricultural industry raises concerns if AGOA benefits are lost
Experts warn that South Africa's potential expulsion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act could lead to significant economic setbacks, affecting exports and job losses across key industries
Daybreak Farms reassures stakeholders amid CEO resignation and liquidation rumours
"Daybreak Farms confirms it is not being liquidated amid CEO Richard Manzini's resignation, addressing stakeholder concerns and ongoing financial speculation
Why did South Africa ban cannabis edibles? Understanding the government's contradictory decisions
Activists are left reeling as the South African government abruptly bans cannabis edibles, raising questions about the future of the industry and the government's commitment to cannabis legalisation.
SA’s G20 leadership: a golden opportunity for agriculture if we play our cards right
As South Africa assumes the historic G20 presidency, the nation's agricultural sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. This analysis explores how this unprecedented leadership role could reshape trade relationships, enhance sustainability, and transform the future of South African farming while navigating complex international relations.
Plan B: Pakistan beekeepers widen pursuit of flowers
A beekeeper in Pakistan's Punjab province loads boxes filled with tens of thousands of bees onto the back of a truck. He will travel 500km in an desperate chase to find flowering plants, clean air and moderate temperatures for honey production as climate change and pollution threaten the industry.
Agriculture set to drive South Africa's economic recovery in 2025
South Africa's agricultural sector shows remarkable resilience with a 17. 2% growth in Q4 2024, leading economic recovery amid structural improvements and optimistic forecasts for 2025
South Africa's GDP grows 0. 6% in 2024, economic outlook remains cautious for 2025
South Africa's economy grew by 0. 6% in 2024, falling short of government projections despite improvements in power supply. While some sectors showed promise, seven out of ten economic sectors contracted, raising concerns about the country's economic recovery heading into 2025