Farm.co.za / AgrifoodSA Jan / Feb 2025 Edition Out Now
Explore the latest in South African agriculture with the January / February 2025 issue of Farm.co.za / AgrifoodSA. Inside, you'll find real-world farming insights, practical sustainability tips, a detailed directory of farm service providers and more.
View or Download your copy here: https://cdn.farm.co.za/Landing/Farm/Mag/2025/AgrifoodSA-Jan-Feb-2025.html or collect a free print copy from your nearest co-op.
South African News
Global Trade Tensions: Implications for South African Agriculture
Recent global trade tensions, particularly between major economies like the United States and China, pose potential challenges for South Africa's agricultural sector. As a nation heavily reliant on agricultural exports, South Africa could face disruptions in its trade flows due to shifting international policies and alliances. The government's strategy includes strengthening trade relationships within Africa and with China to mitigate these risks. However, the evolving geopolitical landscape necessitates that South African farmers remain vigilant and adaptable to maintain their market positions and ensure economic stability.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: February 3, 2025
South African Fresh Produce to Shine at Global Trade Fair
South African fresh produce is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin, Germany. This international event, renowned for covering all sectors of the fresh produce business, offers a platform for showcasing the latest innovations, trends, products, and services across the entire value chain. A delegation of Western Cape farmers and an agricultural worker recently returned from a market access capacity-building tour to the Netherlands and Germany, expressing that the experience was transformative. They highlighted the exposure to global export processes and the importance of staying abreast of industry trends and technology to remain competitive. The Western Cape's minister of agriculture emphasized the province's leading role in South Africa's agricultural exports and the significance of such international engagements in unlocking further opportunities for local farmers.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: February 4, 2025
African News
Tunisia's Citrus Exports Surge by 41% Amid Production Increase
Tunisia has reported a significant rise in citrus exports, with a 41.4% increase from 17th October 2024 to 30th January 2025, totalling 3,300 tonnes compared to 2,334 tonnes in the same period the previous year. This growth translated into a 33.5% boost in revenue, reaching approximately USD 3.56 million, up from USD 2.67 million. The National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI) attributes this surge to higher production rates, particularly in clementines (+24.1%), Miski oranges (+11%), and Navel oranges (+5.2%). The overall citrus harvest for the 2024/2025 season is estimated at 384,000 tonnes, marking a 5.2% increase from the prior season's 365,000 tonnes. Notable production growth was observed in regions such as Nabeul (+1.8%), Ben Arous (+18.1%), Bizerte (+31.3%), and Beja (+28.6%).
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: February 3, 2025
Global News
Aerial Application Enhances Efficiency in Sugarcane Cultivation
Aerial application in sugarcane farming has emerged as an effective method to streamline agricultural operations in Brazil. According to Pietra Dos Santos, Supervisor of Cultural Practices at bp bioenergy, this technology enables swift and uniform distribution of agrochemicals, including fungicides, herbicides, ripeners, and fertilizers, across extensive areas, thereby reducing operational time compared to traditional ground methods. The success of this approach hinges on precise equipment calibration and favourable weather conditions, such as optimal wind speed, humidity, and temperature, to ensure proper product deposition and enhance crop health and productivity. In addition to technological advancements, sustainability remains a key focus in sugarcane production.
Read full story:: AgroLink
Date Published: February 4, 2025
Advancements in Rapid, On-Site Plant Disease Diagnostics
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed rapid, user-friendly tests capable of detecting plant diseases in minutes, often before visible symptoms emerge. Focusing on Phytophthora ramorum, a pathogen responsible for sudden oak death and significant damage to nursery plants like rhododendrons, the team created genetic assays that can be administered directly in the field. This innovation aims to assist forest and nursery managers in swiftly identifying and mitigating disease spread, reducing reliance on laboratory diagnostics. The tests have been successfully demonstrated to foresters in Ireland, where P. ramorum has severely impacted larch tree plantations. There is potential scope in the agricultural sector.
Read full story: AgroPages
Date Published: February 4, 2025
Severe Flooding Devastates North Queensland's Banana and Sugar Cane Farms
In early February 2025, North Queensland experienced unprecedented flooding due to torrential monsoon rains, severely impacting the region's agriculture. The Herbert River reached record levels, surpassing those of the notorious 1967 flood, inundating vast areas of farmland. Banana and sugar cane plantations, particularly around Ingham, suffered extensive damage, with many fields submerged and crops destroyed. The floods also led to significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of the Ollera Creek Bridge, widespread power outages, and evacuations. Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage, and recovery efforts are underway to support affected farmers and communities.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: February 4, 2025
Japan's First Pear Pollen Orchard Aims for Self-Sufficiency Amid Import Ban
JA Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture has established Japan’s first dedicated pear pollen orchard following the suspension of pollen imports from China due to fire blight concerns. Spanning three locations in Ichikawa and Funabashi, the orchards are expected to yield 4kg of pure pollen annually, sufficient for 40 hectares of pear orchards. Managed by JA’s Pear Research Department, the initiative seeks to reduce reliance on foreign pollen and serve as a national model for self-sufficiency. The refined pollen will primarily support local farmers, with potential surplus distribution to other regions.
Read full story: AgriNews Japan
Date Published: February 4, 2025
