South African News
SA Trade Diversification Hinges on Strengthened Biosecurity Measures
As South Africa navigates trade tensions with the US, experts warn that critical domestic biosecurity issues must not be sidelined. Despite growing export ambitions, the country’s ability to trade globally hinges on addressing recurring plant and animal health challenges, particularly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Rebuilding local vaccine production capacity, supporting cattle farmers, and enhancing disease surveillance are vital. Stakeholders at recent conferences stressed the need for sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, and academia to bolster both livestock and crop health, ensuring long-term agricultural resilience and access to international markets.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: August 5, 2025
Collaboration Key to Agricultural Resilience, Say Experts at NAMPO 2025
The Nation in Conversation series at NAMPO 2025 tackled South Africa’s major agricultural challenges, from failing rural infrastructure to the controversial Expropriation Act. Over six sessions, panellists – including industry leaders, academics, and policymakers – highlighted the need for stronger public-private partnerships to address logistical inefficiencies, policy uncertainty, ESG obligations, and technological gaps. Discussions emphasised the urgency of supporting both large and small-scale producers, investing in R&D, and enhancing access to innovation. While the Expropriation Act raised fears around property rights and investment risk, cautious optimism remains, provided government engages transparently and producers stay actively involved.
Read full story: SA Graan/Grain
Date Published: August 4, 2025
African News
Kenya’s Gen Z Farmer-Herders Reinvent Pastoralism Amid Climate Crisis
In Kenya’s increasingly arid Isiolo County, a new generation of young, educated farmer-herders is modernising pastoralism to survive the climate crisis. Backed by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Zoetis Foundation, the Rapsu Youth Group is blending tradition with innovation—growing and marketing fodder via social media, taking up livestock insurance, and exploring new ventures like beekeeping. Their adaptive approach contrasts sharply with older pastoralists, who often lack access to digital tools. With climate shocks growing more frequent, this shift in mindset and practice offers a promising path to resilience and food security in Kenya’s drylands.
Read full story: World Food Programme
Date Published: August 4, 2025
Global News
Canadian Durum Wheat Exports Surge as Global Demand Hits Nine-Year High
Canadian durum wheat exports are outperforming forecasts for the 2024–25 season, driven by rising global demand and favourable market conditions. Total exports are now projected at 5.05 million tonnes, significantly higher than last year, with key buyers including Italy, Algeria, and the US. Strong shipments have reduced Canada’s carry-out stocks to 0.45 Mt, while Saskatchewan spot prices remain firm at $315/tonne. Although a slight production dip is expected in 2025–26, global consumption is forecast to reach its highest level in nine years, underpinned by increased food and feed demand in emerging markets despite a small decline in trade volumes.
Read full story: Farms.com
Date Published: August 5, 2025
Campaigners Urge EU to Prioritise Animal Welfare in Agricultural Reforms
Compassion in World Farming has criticised the European Commission’s proposed EU budget and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for lacking sufficient support for animal welfare and agroecological farming. The NGO warned that continued funding of intensive livestock systems undermines citizens’ expectations and the EU’s 2021 pledge to phase out cages. While transition payments for more extensive systems were welcomed, concerns remain over whether Member States will implement them. With 84% of EU citizens calling for stronger animal welfare protections, campaigners insist taxpayer money should fund cage-free, sustainable farming that protects animals, farmers, and the environment amid escalating climate pressures.
Read full story: Active News
Date Published: August 5, 2025
Bhutan’s Nationwide Farm Fencing Raises Alarms Over Wildlife Conservation
Bhutan’s $60 million plan to erect 3,400 km of chain-link fencing to protect farmland from wildlife is drawing concern from conservationists. While the initiative aims to improve food security and support rural livelihoods, critics warn it threatens biodiversity by fragmenting vital wildlife corridors and undermining the country’s “Living Landscape” model of coexistence. The fencing may displace human-wildlife conflict rather than resolve it, especially for unfenced farms. Campaigners advocate for a more holistic strategy involving habitat enrichment, community-led deterrents, insurance schemes, and sustainable land use—urging Bhutan to honour its conservation values while addressing urgent agricultural needs.
Read full story: Mongabay
Date Published: August 4, 2025
Indonesia Embraces AI and Satellite Tech to Revolutionise Farming
Indonesia is taking a major step towards smart agriculture through a partnership with Taiwanese startup DATAYOO, whose AI-driven platform FarmiSpace uses satellite data to help farmers monitor crops remotely without on-site sensors. As food insecurity and climate pressures intensify, the technology enables early detection of issues such as water stress and disease, improving yields and resource efficiency. Field trials in West Java showed promising results, and partnerships with local agri-tech firms like Eratani and Blessed Bentara Agri are enhancing the platform’s reach. Affordable and scalable, FarmiSpace is set to support smallholder farmers and boost Indonesia’s food resilience.
Read full story: Meet Globa
Date Published: August 5, 2025
