South African News
Regenerative Agriculture Vital for Soil Health and Sustainability
Regenerative agriculture was emphasised on World Soil Day as key to enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and food quality while mitigating climate change. Dr Hendrik Smith, a conservation expert, highlighted South Africa's soil vulnerability due to erosion and harmful farming practices, stressing regenerative principles like minimal tillage and diverse cropping. These practices improve carbon sequestration, nutrient density, and farm profitability. Globally, soil erosion depletes 24 billion tons of fertile soil annually, threatening agricultural sustainability.
Read more / source: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: December 5, 2024
South Africa Launches Pest Monitoring Centre for Fruit Industry
The South African deciduous fruit industry has established a Centre of Excellence, led by Hortgro, to enhance pest monitoring and management. The initiative builds on FruitFly Africa’s efforts, using advanced surveillance to tackle threats like the Mediterranean fruit fly and other invasive pests. This proactive approach aims to safeguard crop sustainability, minimise quarantine risks, and bolster international competitiveness, ensuring the industry remains resilient amid growing pest challenges.
Read more / source: BizCommunity
Date Published: December 3, 2024
African News
Tech-Driven Sensors Triple Earnings for Kenyan Beekeepers
Kenyan agritech startup Pollen Patrollers has introduced remote beehive monitoring sensors that have significantly boosted honey yields, increasing production from 3-5kg to 15kg per hive. The sensors, leased for a modest monthly fee, track hive conditions such as temperature, queen health, and disturbances, enabling timely interventions. Farmers now earn three times more by selling surplus honey, with minimal maintenance costs. This innovation addresses Kenya’s low honey production, which meets only 20% of its potential, while promoting sustainability and efficiency in beekeeping.
Read more / source: FarmBiz Africa
Date Published: December 4, 2024
Global News
Argentina Updates Criteria for Beef Exports to the US
Argentina’s Ministry of Economy has issued new regulations for its 2025 tariff quota of 20,000 tonnes of boneless beef exports to the US. Effective from January 2025, the rules streamline administrative processes, simplify exporter requirements, and align with international standards. The quota allocation continues to use Export Performance criteria to optimise usage. By introducing an online application system and allowing early approvals, Argentina aims to enhance its global competitiveness and strengthen its meat industry’s economic impact.
Read more / source: Revista Chacra
Date Published: December 4, 2024
Controversy Over Methane-Reducing Cattle Feed Additive in the UK
A trial involving the methane-reducing cattle feed additive Bovaer, spearheaded by Arla Foods and major UK supermarkets, has drawn consumer backlash. The additive, shown to cut methane emissions by 27%, has raised concerns over safety and adequacy of testing. Critics argue potential risks to animal welfare, though regulators like the UK Food Standards Agency deem it safe. Shoppers have protested by boycotting Arla products. The trial aims to address agriculture’s climate impact, but scepticism remains about long-term effects.
Read more / source: Sky News
Date Published: December 3, 2024
Quadruped Robot Streamlines Yuzu Harvesting in Japan
Researchers at Kochi University of Technology have developed a four-legged robot to transport yuzu fruit across steep terrains, addressing labour shortages in Japan’s agriculture sector. The robot autonomously navigates orchards using sensors, reducing the physical burden on workers. Its trial at a Kochi Prefecture farm demonstrated effective yuzu collection and transport, showcasing potential to support ageing farmers and improve efficiency in challenging environments.
Read more / source: Agrinews Japan
Date Published: December 4, 2024
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Efficiency Improves in Irish Agriculture
Ireland’s agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per euro of output have declined, according to a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) report. From 2017 to 2022, emissions efficiency improved across all farm systems, with tillage farms leading. Emissions per kilogram of meat fell 22% for cattle and 30% for sheep. This trend reflects increased production with lower emissions, despite average farm-level emissions rising. The findings highlight the partial decoupling of emissions from output, signalling progress towards sustainability goals.
Read more / source: Agriland
Date Published: December 5, 2024
