South African News
Urban Farming Reform Prioritised at Gauteng Hunger Symposium
At the inaugural Ending Hunger Symposium in Gauteng, stakeholders from across sectors united to tackle South Africa’s escalating food insecurity crisis. Hosted by MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa in collaboration with The Nelson Mandela Foundation, the event spotlighted the urgent need for reforms in urban farming, including the removal of restrictive zoning laws and improved land access. Speakers stressed the importance of coordinated efforts, legislative support, and women’s empowerment in agriculture. Ramokgopa underlined that food insecurity is not a distant issue but a present crisis, calling for immediate, inclusive action to uphold food as a basic human right.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: April 10, 2025
Agri Western Cape Urges Members to Verify Information Amidst Rising Misinformation
At Agri Western Cape's recent congress in Grabouw, President Villiers Loubser cautioned members about the proliferation of misinformation, especially on social media. He stressed the importance of relying on accurate, fact-checked information to prevent uncertainty and division within the agricultural community. Loubser noted that Agri SA's careful communication approach aims to avoid spreading falsehoods, focusing instead on delivering relevant and truthful updates to support producers effectively.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: April 10, 2025
African News
UK’s FAI Farms Launches Tilapia Welfare App in Kenya
FAI Farms, in partnership with Ethical Seafood Research and Kenya’s Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, has launched a mobile app to improve tilapia welfare in Kenya. As part of the Kenya Fish Welfare Project, the app is paired with hands-on training for farmers and extension officers, aiming to enhance fish health, farming efficiency, and sustainability. A recent workshop in Kisumu marked the beginning of a year-long rollout across nine counties.
Read full story: Undercurrent News
Date Published: April 8, 2025
Global News
Grain Markets Surge Following Tariff Developments and Technical Buying
US grain markets rallied midweek, with soybeans leading gains after President Trump announced a temporary pause on most tariffs, excluding China. The announcement spurred late-session technical buying, pushing soybeans up nearly 2%, corn by 1%, and wheat to varied increases. Analysts anticipate strong USDA corn export data, though ethanol production continues to dip. Meanwhile, limited rainfall is forecast for the eastern US, with warmer, wetter conditions expected later in April.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date Published: April 9, 2025
Climate Change and Global Trade Fuel Rise in Crop Pests, Study Finds
A new study warns that global warming and international trade are accelerating the spread of crop-damaging pests, threatening food security worldwide. As temperatures rise, pests are expanding into new regions and becoming more active, while globalisation increases the movement of invasive species. Intensive farming and reduced biodiversity are compounding the issue. Researchers call for improved pest monitoring, climate-resilient strategies, and greater preparedness to protect key crops like wheat, maize, and rice.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: April 10, 2025
Japan to Release More Rice Reserves Amid Soaring Prices
Japan will continue selling rice from its emergency reserves through July to curb soaring prices, which have more than doubled year-on-year. The surge is attributed to poor harvests due to extreme heat, panic-buying following a major earthquake warning, rising tourist demand, and stockpiling by businesses. Around 210,000 tonnes have been released so far, with another 100,000 tonnes set for auction in late April. The government also plans to expand rice exports by 2030 amid declining domestic consumption and tensions over tariffs with the US.
Read full story: France 24
Date Published: April 9, 2025
Water Gains in Andhra Pradesh at Risk as Cash Crop Pressures Mount
In drought-prone Andhra Pradesh, efforts to conserve groundwater through crop diversification and micro-irrigation have delivered some success. However, rising market demand for cash crops and flawed subsidies threaten these gains, encouraging water-intensive farming. While initiatives like water budgeting and watershed projects have helped recharge aquifers, unregulated borewell access continues to strain resources. Experts urge better governance and equitable water-sharing strategies to prevent a return to severe water scarcity.
Read full story: Mongabay India
Date Published: April 9, 2025
