South African News
Eastern Cape Launches £3.4M Cropping Programme to Combat Poverty
The Eastern Cape department of rural development and agrarian reform has initiated a £3.4 million cropping programme to tackle poverty and malnutrition in the region. Launched in Ngxakaxha village, the programme aims to promote sustainable agriculture and food security. It will cultivate 22,564 hectares, benefiting 10,953 communal and emerging farmers. The initiative has already created job opportunities and reduced dependence on social grants. Officials praise the programme as a crucial step in implementing government strategies to fight food insecurity. Since 2009, the department has planted 309,930 hectares, benefiting 51,847 smallholder producers and yielding over 538,000 tonnes of maize.
Source: FoodForMzansi
Date Published: October 18 2024
Vegtech Netafim Donates £9,300 Greenhouse to Boost Food Security in South Africa
Vegtech Netafim has gifted a hydroponic greenhouse tunnel worth £9,300 to the Living Soils Community Learning Farm in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This donation, coinciding with World Food Day, aims to enhance local food security and provide a valuable educational resource for agricultural interns and managers. The greenhouse, equipped with advanced precision farming technology, allows for year-round cultivation of vegetables in a controlled environment, significantly reducing water usage while increasing yield. The Living Soils Community Learning Farm, a partnership project involving Woolworths, Spier Wine Farm, and the Sustainability Institute, focuses on improving long-term food security by educating young and emerging farmers in sustainable practices.
Source: FoodForMzansi
Date Published: October 16 2024
Africa News
African Agritech Funding Stabilises at £1.2 Billion Since 2014, Shifts Towards Smaller Investments
Agritech funding in Africa has stabilised at approximately £1.2 billion across 600 transactions since 2014, with 745 active agritech companies on the continent. While South Africa remains a key funding hub, investment is increasingly diversifying to other regions. The sector is experiencing a shift towards smaller investments, with 59% of deals now below £80,000. Commercial funding has declined, but non-commercial sources are filling the gap. Gender diversity in funding remains a challenge, with all-women-founded teams receiving only 2% of total funding. The sector shows resilience, but experts warn of potential further deflation without continued commercial incentives.
Source: FoodForMzansi
Date Published: October 18 2024
Global News
New Zealand Seeks Fresh Negotiations with Canada Over CPTPP Dairy Quota Dispute
New Zealand is preparing for another legal confrontation with Canada due to Canada's failure to honour its commitments under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to open its domestic dairy market. Despite a previous ruling against Canada, the new allocation method introduced on May 1 still falls short of the agreed commitments, costing NZ exporters an estimated $120 million. New Zealand has requested formal negotiations and may impose retaliatory tariffs if Canada does not comply. The dairy industry supports the government's actions, also highlighting concerns over Canada's subsidised dairy exports affecting global markets.
Source: Farmer’s Weekly NZ
Date Published: October 18 2024
Current Soybean Scenario: Stable Production and Growing Exports
The current soybean market is characterized by stable production levels and significant growth in exports. Despite some regional variations, overall soybean production has remained steady, thanks to improved agricultural practices and favourable climate conditions. On the other hand, exports have seen a notable increase, driven by strong global demand, particularly from countries like China. There are clear economic benefits of this trend for soybean producers and the agricultural sector as a whole. There is room for further expansion in the soybean market, given the ongoing global demand for this commodity.
Source: portaldoagronegocio
Date Published: October 17 2024
Global Farmers Face Dual Challenges of Extreme Weather and High Input Costs
Farmers worldwide are grappling with the combined pressures of extreme weather conditions and elevated input costs, according to a recent report by Rabobank. The global agricultural sector is experiencing significant challenges, with adverse weather patterns affecting crop yields and quality across various regions. Simultaneously, farmers are contending with persistently high costs for essential inputs such as fertilisers and energy. These factors are contributing to increased volatility in agricultural markets and putting pressure on farm profitability. The report highlights the need for farmers to adapt to these challenges and for policymakers to consider supportive measures for the agricultural sector.
Source: Agriland
Date Published: 17 October 2023
Defra Elevates Avian Influenza Risk Level in Wild Birds to Medium
Defra has increased the avian influenza risk level in wild birds from low to medium following the detection of the H5N5 strain in several wild birds across Britain this autumn. The first wild bird mass mortality of the season associated with a highly pathogenic outbreak has been reported. While the risk level for poultry remains 'low' with suboptimal biosecurity and 'very low' with good biosecurity, farmers are urged to stay vigilant. The government has also implemented a new compulsory register for all bird keepers in England and Wales, effective from 1 October, to better protect against future outbreaks.
Source: FarmingUK
Date Published: October 17 2024
