South African News
SA Farmers Urged to Diversify Exports Amid Global Trade Shake-up
South Africa’s farmers must urgently diversify their export markets to remain competitive in an evolving global economy, say Agbiz economists Wandile Sihlobo and Dr Tinashe Kapuya. They highlight the lasting effects of US president Donald Trump’s trade policies, which disrupted traditional global trade systems and weakened the US’s role as a global leader. This shift towards a multipolar world introduces greater uncertainty for export-reliant sectors like agriculture. The economists call for a bold, three-pillar trade strategy focused on public-private partnerships, prioritising new markets such as China and the Middle East, and strengthening regional trade blocs like SACU.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: April 13, 2025
Namibia Reinstates Ban on South African Bovine Semen and Embryos, Sparking Industry Concerns
Namibia has reinstated a ban on the import of bovine semen and embryos from South Africa as of 8 April 2025, citing concerns over foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in KwaZulu-Natal. The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) warns that the ban could disrupt the red meat value chain, harming both genetic progress and breeder livelihoods across the region. While South African authorities have implemented stringent FMD containment measures, industry leaders are urging transparent dialogue and a science-based approach. Cross-border discussions are ongoing, with hopes of restoring trade and protecting animal health alongside economic interests.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: April 11, 2025
African News
ILRI Joins $27.4 Million Global Initiative to Reduce Livestock Methane Emissions
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has partnered in a $27.4 million global initiative to mitigate methane emissions from livestock. Supported by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub, the project will focus on identifying and breeding livestock with natural variations in digestion that produce less methane. This effort spans multiple continents, including Africa, and complements ILRI's ongoing work in low-methane forages and genetic research. The initiative aims to deliver scalable, climate-smart solutions for livestock systems, particularly in the Global South.
Read full story: African Agribusiness
Date Published: April 11, 2025
Global News
Arla and DMK Propose Merger to Form Europe’s Largest Dairy Cooperative
Arla Foods and Germany’s DMK Group have announced plans to merge, aiming to establish Europe’s largest dairy cooperative under the Arla name. The proposed union would bring together over 12,000 farmers and generate a combined pro forma revenue of €19 billion. While the companies already share a history of collaboration through their joint venture ArNoCo, this full merger remains subject to approval by both cooperatives’ Boards of Representatives and relevant regulatory bodies. If successful, the merger would mark a major consolidation in Europe’s dairy industry, enhancing global competitiveness and supply chain efficiency.
Read full story: South West Farmer
Date Published: April 14, 2025
CSIRO and Winemakers Fast-Track Climate and Mildew-Resistant Grapevines
Australia's wine industry is fighting back against climate threats and costly mildew outbreaks through an ambitious breeding programme led by CSIRO, in partnership with Wine Australia and Treasury Wine Estates. The initiative aims to develop mildew-resistant grapevines by crossbreeding local heritage varieties with French disease-resistant genetic material. Using micro-vines, which mature in just six months, researchers are accelerating the development of robust, sustainable cultivars. With annual losses from powdery and downy mildew nearing $170 million, this project could drastically reduce reliance on chemical treatments while preserving wine quality and bolstering the industry’s resilience to climate change.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: April 12, 2025
Climate Change Threatens India’s Pulse Production and Farmer Livelihoods
Climate change is placing India's pulse production at risk, with erratic rainfall, high temperatures, and shifting seasons reducing crop yields and farmer incomes. Pulses, vital for nutrition and soil health, are largely rainfed and grown on marginal lands, making them vulnerable to climate extremes. Farmers in Andhra Pradesh report severe impacts, including crop stress and reduced seed development. Rising reliance on imports, price instability, and lack of procurement systems exacerbate challenges. However, solutions such as drought-resistant varieties, micro-irrigation, and improved farming practices offer hope. Experts urge stronger policy support and climate-adaptive strategies to secure food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Read full story: News Laundry
Date Published: April 14, 2025
China Harnesses Satellite Tech and Space Seeds to Boost Spring Planting
China’s spring planting efforts are receiving a high-tech boost as farmers across provinces like Heilongjiang adopt satellite-guided machinery, precision fertilisation, and space-mutated soybean seeds to improve yields. The Beidahuang Group leads innovation with 99.7% mechanisation, digital farms, and smart agriculture bases. Space-exposed soybeans show promise for higher yields and disease resistance. Meanwhile, black soil conservation and seed breeding efforts aim to maintain China’s food security. With over 80 million tonnes harvested in 2024, Heilongjiang remains a national agricultural powerhouse, integrating cutting-edge science with traditional farming to secure future harvests.
Read full story: China Daily
Date Published: April 14, 2025
