South African News
Campaign for Wool and Cape Wools South Africa Strengthen Collaboration
The Campaign for Wool, a global initiative promoting wool's natural benefits, is funded by several international wool organisations, including Cape Wools South Africa.
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to educating consumers about wool's sustainability and versatility. South Africa is home to around 8 000 commercial wool farmers. The Campaign for Wool, launched in 2010, brings together industry leaders from fashion, interior design, and manufacturing sectors to highlight wool as a natural, sustainable fibre.
Read full story: Agriorbit
Date Published: January 17, 2025
Canola's Ascendancy in South Africa's Agriculture
Canola (Brassica napus), originally bred in Canada during the 1970s, has become a significant crop in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape. The region's Mediterranean-like climate, with cool, moist winters, provides ideal conditions for canola cultivation. Over the past five years, production has tripled, attributed to improved cultivars and rising consumer demand for healthier cooking oils. In 2024, the area under canola expanded from 127,000ha to 145,000ha, with an estimated national yield of 2t/ha. Southern Oil (SOILL), based in Swellendam, has been instrumental in this growth, processing locally grown canola seeds since 1997 and supporting farmers with guidance on best practices. Despite challenges such as pest management and optimal planting times, canola offers multiple benefits, including weed control and high-protein livestock feed. Its oil is low in saturated and trans fats, making it a heart-healthy option for consumers.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: January 17, 2025
African News
African Union Adopts Decade-Long Strategy to Boost Agriculture
The African Union (AU) has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year strategy aimed at transforming the continent's agricultural sector. Key objectives include a 45% increase in agricultural output by 2035, a 50% reduction in post-harvest losses, tripling intra-African trade in agrifood products and inputs, and elevating locally processed food to constitute 35% of agrifood GDP. Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of value addition and the elimination of non-tariff barriers to reduce dependency on food imports. This initiative is poised to lay the foundation for robust agri-food systems across Africa, fostering sustainable development and economic growth.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: January 13, 2025
Global News
Australia Aims to Boost Barramundi Farming to Reduce Asian Imports
Despite barramundi being an iconic Australian fish, nearly 60% of the barramundi consumed in Australia is imported from Southeast Asian countries. This reliance on imports is due to the lower wholesale prices of imported barramundi, which are typically half the price of domestically produced fish. In response, Australian aquaculture companies are expanding local barramundi farming operations. For instance, Tassal, owned by Canadian firm Cooke, is advancing plans to increase barramundi production in Western Australia. This initiative aims to enhance Australia's self-sufficiency in barramundi supply, support local industries, and reduce dependence on imports.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: January 14, 2025
BiofuelCircle Expands Rural Infrastructure to Enhance Biomass Aggregation in Nagpur
BiofuelCircle, India's leading digital platform for the bioenergy supply chain, is expanding its rural infrastructure to establish sustainable biomass aggregation in Nagpur. The company is setting up eight new warehouses—four near Mauda and four near Bhandara—to support large-scale biomass collection. Equipped with advanced technology such as slashers, balers, and rakers, these facilities aim to aggregate 40,000 metric tonnes of paddy straw this season, creating new income opportunities for local farmers. The initiative includes direct farmer engagement, exemplified by the recent launch of the Mujbi Biomass Bank, which received strong community support. BiofuelCircle's efforts are part of a broader mission to build a reliable and efficient biomass supply chain in India, converting agricultural residue into valuable resources and contributing to a cleaner environment.
Read full story: Agro Spectrum
Date Published: January 17, 2025
Chicken Byproducts Emerge as Profitable Snacks in Indonesia
In Indonesia, chicken byproducts such as intestines, feet, and gizzards are gaining popularity as profitable snack options. Traditionally considered waste, these parts are now being processed into various delicacies, contributing to the country's culinary diversity and providing additional income streams for poultry farmers. The increasing demand for these snacks has led to the establishment of small-scale industries focused on processing and marketing chicken byproducts, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable and resource-efficient practices in the Indonesian poultry sector.
Read full story: Asian Agri Biz
Date Published: January 16, 2025
UK Councils Rebel Against Farm Inheritance Tax Changes
Thirty councils across the UK have openly opposed the government's planned changes to farm inheritance tax, set to take effect in April 2026. The policy introduces a 20% levy on farms valued over £1 million, a reduction from the standard 40% inheritance tax rate. Critics argue that this threshold will adversely affect many working family farms, which are often asset-rich but cash-poor, rather than targeting wealthy landowners. Councils in regions including Northumberland, Suffolk, and Norfolk have passed motions urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider the tax, describing it as an 'attack' on rural communities. The Countryside Alliance is advocating for more councils to join the opposition, highlighting concerns over food security and the viability of family-run farms.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: January 16, 2025
