South African News
South African Fruit Exporters Avoid Crisis as US Port Strike Averted
South African fruit exporters have expressed relief following the avoidance of a strike at US East Coast ports, which could have severely disrupted their seasonal exports. Dockworkers, represented by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), and their employers, the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), reached a tentative six-year agreement, averting a strike that was scheduled for 15 January 2025. Antoinette van Heerden, logistical affairs manager at the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum South Africa, noted that a strike would have been detrimental to the deciduous export season. Other industry bodies, including the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) and Hortgro, also welcomed the agreement. The details of the agreement remain confidential pending formal approval by ILA members in the coming weeks.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Published: January 14, 2025
South Africa's Maize Production Declines Amid Drought, Exports Continue
South Africa's maize production for the 2023/24 season has been significantly impacted by a mid-summer drought, with the Crop Estimates Committee reducing its forecast to 12.8 million tonnes—a 22% decrease from the previous year.
Despite this decline, the country is expected to maintain its export activities, projecting maize exports of 1.9 million tonnes for the 2024/25 marketing year, down from 3.4 million tonnes the previous year. The reduced supply has led to rising maize prices, with white maize prices over 40% higher than last year, reaching R5,490 per tonne.
The drought has also affected oilseed crops, with soybean production estimated at 1.7 million tonnes—a 36% drop from last year—potentially necessitating imports to meet domestic demand.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Published: January 15, 2025
African News
Adamawa State Launches Empowerment Schemes for Agricultural Cooperatives
The Adamawa State Government in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the welfare of vulnerable groups by inaugurating empowerment schemes aimed at agricultural cooperatives. These initiatives are designed to support and strengthen cooperative societies within the agricultural sector, promoting economic growth and self-sufficiency among local farmers. The government's efforts align with its broader strategy to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods across the state.
Read full story: Nigerian Tribune
Published: January 14, 2025
Global News
UK Bans German Livestock Imports Following Foot-and-Mouth Disease Case
The UK government has prohibited imports of cattle, pigs, sheep, and related products from Germany after a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case was confirmed in water buffalo near Berlin—the country's first outbreak since 1988. Defra (UK government’s farming department) announced that Great Britain health certificates for susceptible animals and products would no longer be issued. Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss urged UK livestock keepers to remain vigilant for FMD symptoms, emphasizing the importance of strict biosecurity measures. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated that the government would take all necessary steps to protect farmers, including extending restrictions if the disease spreads.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Published: January 14, 2025
German Authorities Report No Further Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases
Following the recent detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin—the first such case in Germany in nearly 40 years—authorities have conducted extensive testing and found no additional instances of the disease. A 3-kilometre exclusion zone and a 10-kilometre monitoring zone were established around the affected farm to contain the outbreak. Despite these measures, the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has banned imports of cattle, pigs, sheep, and related products from Germany to safeguard British livestock. Livestock keepers in the UK are advised to maintain high vigilance and adhere to strict biosecurity protocols.
Read full story: Reuters
Published: January 14, 2025
Soybean Cyst Nematode Spreads to Nearly All U.S. Soybean-Producing States
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a leading cause of soybean yield loss, has now been detected in every U.S. soybean-producing state except West Virginia. Between 2020 and 2023, 31 counties across 10 states reported SCN infestations for the first time. In Canada, new detections occurred in 10 rural municipalities in Quebec and three counties in Manitoba and Ontario during the same period. SCN is estimated to cause approximately $1.2 billion in annual damage to U.S. soybean crops. Experts recommend that farmers implement management strategies, including regular soil testing, rotating resistant soybean varieties, planting non-host crops, and considering nematode-protectant seed treatments, to mitigate the impact of this pervasive pest.
Read full story: AgWeb
Published: January 14, 2025
NIT Rourkela Scientists Develop Low-Cost, Zero-Energy Cooling Chamber for Tomato Transport
Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an innovative, cost-effective, zero-energy cooling chamber designed to extend the shelf life of tomatoes during transport. This sustainable solution utilises evaporative cooling principles, eliminating the need for external energy sources, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring fresher produce reaches consumers. The chamber maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels, preserving the quality of tomatoes for extended periods. This development holds significant potential for small and marginal farmers, offering an affordable method to reduce spoilage and enhance profitability in the supply chain.
Read full story: AgroSpectrum India
Published: January 15, 2025
