South African News
NSPCA Uncovers Cannibalism and Mass Starvation at State-Funded Poultry Farms
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has uncovered severe animal cruelty at state-funded poultry farms in Delmas, South Africa. Following anonymous complaints, inspectors found chickens left without food for several days, leading to widespread cannibalism and starvation. Over 6,000 birds were humanely euthanised to prevent further suffering. The NSPCA is launching nationwide inspections of affiliated farms and pursuing criminal charges under the Animals Protection Act. The incident highlights significant failures in farm oversight and animal welfare enforcement.
Read full story: Daily Maverick
Date Published: May 1, 2025
Red Meat Industry Unveils Unified Vision for 2030
The South African red meat industry has launched a comprehensive 2030 vision aimed at fostering inclusive growth and enhancing competitiveness. The strategy focuses on four key pillars: animal and public health, inclusive growth, competitiveness and sustainability, and market access. A significant component of this initiative is the establishment of the Red Meat Institute for Transformation and Enterprise Development (RMITED), which has already trained over 2,000 emerging farmers through various educational programmes. The strategy also targets increasing beef exports from 5% to 20% and sheep exports from 1% to 6% by 2030. Additionally, the industry aims to add 250,000 weaner calves to the market and boost production value by R8.3 billion. This unified approach underscores the industry's commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: May 2, 2024
African News
Morocco Leads New Africa–Latin America Initiative on Climate and Food Security
Morocco has spearheaded a new South-South Parliamentary Cooperation Forum in Rabat, bringing together African and Latin American leaders to address shared challenges in climate change and food security. The forum concluded with plans to establish a parliamentary alliance focused on enhancing climate legislation and governance. Morocco's leadership in this initiative underscores its role as a bridge between the two continents, leveraging its experience to coordinate international efforts aimed at strengthening agricultural systems and ensuring equitable access to resources amid global crises.
Read full story: African Agribusiness
Date Published: May 1, 2025
Global News
Indonesia's Food Estate Initiative Faces Environmental and Indigenous Rights Challenges
Indonesia's ambitious food estate programme, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in staples like rice, has expanded into Papua, including a significant project in Merauke. While the government envisions increased production and potential exports, the initiative has sparked concerns among environmentalists and Indigenous communities. Critics argue that the large-scale agricultural developments threaten biodiversity, disrupt traditional land use, and lack adequate consultation with local populations. Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to its goal of reducing food imports and bolstering domestic production.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: May 2, 2025
Agrishow 2025 Highlights Advancements in Agricultural Drone Technology
At Agrishow 2025, Latin America's premier agribusiness technology fair, the spotlight was on the increasing role of drones in precision agriculture. Brazil now boasts over 5,000 agricultural drones, with both international and local manufacturers showcasing innovations tailored to regional needs. Notably, the GT 60 drone, developed in Bahia, offers a 60-litre capacity and can cover over 200 hectares in a single day. Additionally, the P150 drone, introduced by Case IH, stands out with its 70-litre capacity and the ability to apply both liquid and solid inputs, making it versatile for various agricultural tasks. These advancements underscore the growing integration of drone technology in enhancing efficiency and sustainability in Brazilian agriculture.
Read full story: Agrolink
Date Published: May 1, 2025
China Accelerates GM Corn Planting Amid State Controls and Public Skepticism
China plans to increase its genetically modified (GM) corn planting area to between 40 and 50 million mu (approximately 3.3 million hectares) in 2025, up from around 10 million mu in 2024. This expansion aims to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from the United States, which supplied 15% of China's corn imports last year. Despite the push, GM corn will still represent only about 7% of China's total corn acreage, compared to over 90% in countries like the United States and Brazil. The adoption faces challenges due to tight state controls, public scepticism, and mixed trial outcomes, with some recent GMO trials resulting in lower yields than expected.
Read full story: AgroPages
Date Published: May 2, 2025
Gene-Edited Pigs Approved for Sale in US Following UK Breakthrough
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the sale of gene-edited pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a disease causing significant losses in the swine industry. This advancement follows research led by the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute, which developed pigs by editing the CD163 gene to prevent PRRS infection. Collaborating with animal genetics firm Genus, the team demonstrated that the modified pigs are immune to the virus without adverse health effects. This approval marks a significant milestone in agricultural biotechnology, potentially paving the way for broader applications in livestock disease management.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: May 2, 2025
