South African News
Lack of Financing Hampers Regenerative Agriculture in South Africa
In South Africa, the adoption of regenerative agriculture is hindered by insufficient financing options. Andrew Ardington, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Association of South Africa, notes that while farmer interest has grown, the transition is slowed by limited financial support. The benefits of regenerative practices, such as reduced environmental impact and increased resilience, take time to materialise and involve risks. Although some commercial banks offer "green financing solutions," their terms are similar to traditional loans, leaving farmers to bear the transition risks. In contrast, other regions have established substantial funds to support regenerative agriculture, highlighting the need for improved financial mechanisms in South Africa.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: January 22, 2025
South Africa's Red Meat Industry Faces Challenges of Stock Theft, Disease, and Rising Costs
South Africa's red meat sector is grappling with significant challenges, including escalating stock theft, disease outbreaks, and increasing operational costs. Livestock theft has become a serious threat to farmers' livelihoods, leading to substantial financial losses. To combat this, the North West province is implementing a livestock identification and traceability system (LITS) to monitor animal movements and curb theft. Additionally, outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have imposed movement restrictions, further straining the industry. The combination of these factors is impacting the profitability and sustainability of red meat producers across the nation.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: January 22, 2025
African News
Kenya Approves Biological Control Agent to Combat Papaya Mealybug
Kenya has sanctioned the nationwide release of the parasitoid wasp Acerophagus papayae to assist smallholder farmers in managing the destructive papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus). The Kenya Standing Technical Committee on Imports and Exports (KSTCIE) endorsed this environmentally friendly solution following successful trials in several counties, where the pest has caused crop losses between 53% and 100%. The initiative, led by CABI in collaboration with Kenyan agricultural bodies, is part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy aimed at enhancing food security and farmer livelihoods. Farmers are advised that the agent may take up to six months to demonstrate effectiveness.
Read full story: AgroPages
Date Published: January 22, 2025
Global News
Record Snowfall in Aomori Impedes Farmers' Access to Fields
Aomori Prefecture in Japan is experiencing unprecedented snowfall, severely affecting local agriculture. Farmers are struggling to access their fields due to uncleared farm roads, hindering essential tasks like pruning. In apple orchards, the heavy snow has caused trees to collapse and branches, some up to 30 centimetres thick, to break under the weight. Greenhouse structures, including those used for year-round spinach cultivation, have also suffered damage. As of 21 January, the prefecture reported damage to 135 pipe houses, four agricultural warehouses, and four livestock-related facilities across multiple municipalities. The full extent of the damage remains uncertain, as many areas are still inaccessible due to snow. In response, local agricultural cooperatives (JAs) are initiating support measures, such as subsidies for snow-melting agents, to assist affected farmers.
Read full story: Agri News Japan
Date Published: January 22, 2025
Climate Change and Net-Zero Goals May Increase Southeast Asian Food Prices by Up to 59%
A recent report by Oxford Economics indicates that Southeast Asia could experience a surge in food prices ranging from 30% to 59% by 2050 due to the combined effects of climate change and the costs associated with transitioning to net-zero emissions. The study highlights that a 1% rise in average temperature can lead to a 1-2% increase in food producer prices across countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The report underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between governments and industries to address food security challenges and mitigate price volatility in the region.
Read full story: AgroSpectrum India
Date Published: January 22, 2025
Gene-Edited Soil Bacteria Offer Potential Third Source of Nitrogen for Corn Production
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have demonstrated that gene-edited soil bacteria can supply corn plants with nitrogen by converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by the plants. In field trials, these bacteria provided the equivalent of 35 pounds of nitrogen per acre during early corn growth stages, potentially reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. The study highlights the promise of microbial inoculants in enhancing nitrogen availability, though further research is needed to fully understand their long-term efficacy and impact on crop yields.
Read full story: AgroSpectrum India
Date Published: January 21, 2025
Germany Activates Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank Following Outbreak in Brandenburg
The German state of Brandenburg has activated its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank after confirming the country's first FMD outbreak since 1988. The outbreak was detected in water buffalo in Märkisch-Oderland district. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute identified the virus as serotype O, commonly found in the Middle East and Asia, though the exact source remains unknown. Activating the vaccine bank is a precautionary measure to ensure preparedness, as producing vaccines from the bank requires at least six days. Currently, there are no plans to vaccinate, as no further spread has been detected.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: January 21, 2025
