South African News
Revolutionary Device for Rapid Diagnosis of FMD and Bird Flu Launched in South Africa
A groundbreaking portable device for quickly diagnosing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and avian influenza (bird flu) has been introduced in South Africa. This innovative technology promises to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with disease detection in livestock and poultry. The device, which can provide results in as little as 90 minutes, is expected to revolutionise disease management in the agricultural sector. By enabling faster and more accessible diagnosis, it could help prevent the spread of these highly contagious diseases, potentially saving farmers and the industry millions in losses.
Read more / source: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: December 10, 2024
Nigeria's Maize Export Ban: Minimal Impact on South Africa's Thriving Agriculture
Nigeria's recent maize export ban is unlikely to impact South Africa's agricultural sector significantly, according to Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo. Despite cultivating maize on 5.5 million hectares, Nigeria's production lags behind South Africa, which produces over 16 million tonnes on just 2.5 million hectares. The disparity is attributed to South Africa's advanced farming practices, including better seed cultivars and modern techniques. Nigeria's ban aims to address domestic shortages, with production expected to fall to 11 million tonnes in 2023-2024. Sihlobo emphasises that Nigeria's minimal role in global maize trade means the ban's effects will be limited, primarily affecting neighbouring countries.
Read more / source: Food for Mzansi
Date Published: December 11, 2024
African News
Liberia and IFAD Sign $5.3 Million Grant to Boost Agricultural Development
The Liberian government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have signed a $5.3 million grant agreement to strengthen the country's agricultural sector. The European Union-funded project, part of the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalisation Project (STAR-P), aims to promote sustainable practices and increase smallholder farmers' resilience. The initiative will focus on improving food security, enhancing rural livelihoods, and building climate change resilience through agroecological practices. Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and IFAD Country Representative Pascaline Barankeba signed the agreement, emphasising its alignment with Liberia's development goals. IFAD also announced plans to reveal Liberia's allocation under IFAD 13 early next year, potentially leading to increased investment in the country's agricultural sector.
Read more / source: African Farming
Date Published: December 10, 2024
Global News
Kapsera Secures €4.2M to Boost Sustainable Agriculture Solutions
French microencapsulation pioneer Kapsera has raised €4.2 million to accelerate its industrialization and commercialization efforts in sustainable agriculture and food sectors. The funding round includes new investors Banque des Territoires and The Yield Lab Europe, alongside existing backers like Demeter Investment Managers. Kapsera plans to establish its first industrial units in Bordeaux, aiming for an annual production capacity exceeding 200 tons by 2027 and creating 20 new jobs. The company will intensify R&D efforts to expand its range of natural microcapsules, addressing growing demand for biosolutions in agriculture and nutrition. Kapsera aims to become a global leader in natural microencapsulation solutions for life sciences.
Read more / source: Ag News
Date Published: December 11, 2024
Northern Ireland's Chief Vet Urges Heightened Biosecurity as Bird Flu Detected in Ireland
Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, has issued a stark warning to bird keepers following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a wild buzzard in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. This marks the first confirmed case on the island since September 2023. Dooher emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining stringent biosecurity measures to protect the poultry industry from the threat of bird flu. He urges all flock owners, including those with backyard or hobby flocks, to review and enhance their biosecurity protocols immediately. A comprehensive checklist is available on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) website to guide bird keepers in minimizing disease risks.
Read more / source: Agriland
Date Published: December 11, 2024
Canadian Expertise Transforms Mongolian Agriculture
Canadian agricultural experts are helping Mongolian company Metagro revolutionize the country's farming sector. Graeme Finn and Kelly Boles from Telus Agriculture are introducing advanced agricultural practices to address significant challenges, including poor soil quality and underdeveloped cattle genetics. Mongolia, with similarities to Canadian prairies in soil and climate, aims to become food secure and potentially an agricultural exporter within five years. The collaboration focuses on sustainable practices, improved livestock breeding, and advanced farming techniques. Despite language barriers and technological gaps, the Mongolian agricultural sector shows immense potential, particularly given its strategic location between Russia and China. The partnership represents a promising opportunity for knowledge transfer and agricultural innovation.
Read more / source: Canadian Cattlemen
Date Published: December 10, 2024
US Orders Nationwide Milk Testing Amid Bird Flu Surge
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has mandated testing of the nation's milk supply due to a significant increase in bird flu cases. The H5N1 strain, first detected in a Texas cow in March, has spread to over 700 dairy farms across the country. The federal order, effective from 16 December, requires sharing of raw milk samples from dairy farms, transporters, and processing facilities. It also mandates reporting of positive results and epidemiological information from affected herds. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated this strategy aims to protect dairy herds and control the virus' spread nationwide. The UK has also prepared five million vaccine doses in case of a potential avian influenza pandemic.
Read more / source: FarmingUK
Date Published: December 11, 2024
