South African News
SA Fruit Industry Reels as 30% US Tariff Threatens Billions in Exports
South African fruit exporters, especially in the Western Cape, are facing severe economic pressure after the United States imposed a 30% tariff on agricultural imports from the country, effective 1 August. The tariff—resulting from the absence of a renewed trade deal—has already halted shipments from major exporters like Core Fruit, with fears that the US market, a key destination for citrus, table grapes, and wine, will be hard to replace. Government and industry leaders are scrambling to mitigate the fallout, warning of billions in lost export value and urging urgent diplomatic intervention to avoid long-term damage.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: August 1, 2025
Meat Price Surge Drives South African Food Inflation to 15-Month High
South Africa’s food inflation reached its highest level in over a year in June 2025, driven by a sharp rise in meat prices. The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed to 5.1%, with meat up 6.6% year-on-year—the steepest increase in 25 months. Supply disruptions caused by foot-and-mouth disease and a temporary poultry import ban from Brazil worsened the situation. While some relief is expected as import restrictions ease and slaughtering resumes, high prices in vegetables, nuts, and cheese continue to strain consumers. Experts anticipate inflation to moderate in the coming months amid improved livestock and crop outlooks.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 31, 2025
African News
Gambian Farmers Frustrated as Groundnut Seed Support Fails to Materialise
Despite promises from the Gambian government to provide groundnut seeds to farmers following a poor harvest, many across the country report receiving no such support. While the Ministry of Agriculture claimed to have distributed 50 metric tonnes of certified seeds via the Gambia Agriculture and Food Security Project, field investigations by Foroyaa found that only a handful of communities had actually received them. Most farmers were given maize or rice seeds instead—or nothing at all. Widespread dissatisfaction has led some to abandon their farms, while others decry broken promises and lack of communication amid persistent seed shortages and poor rainfall.
Read full story: Foroyaa
Date Published: July 31, 2025
Global News
Water Wars: Farmers and Environmentalists Clash Amid France’s Growing Climate Crisis
Tensions are rising in drought-stricken western France as environmental activists and farmers battle over the construction of large agricultural water reservoirs, or “megabasins.” Activists argue these vast installations—drawing water from local aquifers—favour industrial farming at the expense of ecosystems and smallholders. Despite mounting opposition, new legislation under the Duplomb law could fast-track such projects while loosening environmental protections, including reintroducing banned pesticides. This conflict reflects broader European struggles, where climate legislation is under pressure from right-wing political forces and business lobbies. As Europe warms faster than any other continent, its leadership on climate is increasingly in question.
Read full story: The Observer
Date Published: July 31, 2025
Madhya Pradesh Farmers’ Fund Misused: 90% Spent on Cars, Not Crops, Says CAG
A damning report from India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that 90% of Madhya Pradesh’s ₹5.31 crore Fertilizer Development Fund, intended to aid farmers, was instead spent on vehicles, drivers’ salaries, and maintenance from 2017 to 2022. Just ₹5.1 lakh reached farmers as actual support. The misuse occurred under both BJP and Congress-led state governments. The audit also uncovered that supplier rebates on fertilisers weren’t passed on to farmers, costing them ₹10.5 crore. The CAG criticised the lack of data-based fertiliser distribution, calling the fund’s diversion a serious violation of its purpose.
Read full story: NDTV
Date Published: August 1, 2025
Japan Launches Taskforce to Support Farmers Amid Extreme Heat and Drought
Japan's agriculture ministry has formed a taskforce to tackle the impact of unusually high temperatures and low rainfall on the country’s crops. At its first meeting, Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro urged officials to promote water conservation among farmers and raise awareness of a subsidy scheme for water pumps. The ministry is also encouraging the adoption of heat-resistant crop varieties. Rice farmers in parts of the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions have already reported poor growth, although the overall impact of the heatwave remains limited elsewhere in the country.
Read full story: NHK World-Japan
Date Published: July 31, 2025
Indonesia Opens Market to Peruvian Blueberries After Sanitary Approval
Peru has secured access to the Indonesian market for its fresh blueberries, following a successful inspection by Indonesia’s Quarantine Authority (IQA). The visit to farms and packhouses in Pisco confirmed compliance with sanitary and quality standards, leading to the official authorisation of exports. Proarándanos, Peru’s blueberry industry association, welcomed the agreement, crediting the National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) for its phytosanitary efforts. The move opens up a new market of over 281 million consumers, offering significant export potential for Peruvian producers and marking another milestone in the country's growing fruit trade.
Read full story: Fruitnet
Date Published: July 31, 2025
