South African News
Agri-Processing and Farm Logistics Take Centre Stage at Nampo 2025
The Nampo 2025 agricultural expo, held from 13–16 May in Bothaville, Free State, will spotlight agricultural processing machinery and the vital logistics required to move products efficiently to markets. With over 85,000 visitors expected, the event is the largest agri-expo in the Southern Hemisphere. Despite poor road conditions and the usual heavy machinery displays, logistics have gained increasing attention as a key factor in successful farming. International exhibitors from countries like the USA, Germany, and Brazil are expected, making it a global affair. Nampo 2025 promises cutting-edge machinery, agri-processing methods, and new technologies valued over R1 billion.
Read full story: Freight News
Date Published: May 8, 2025
Fuel Price Cuts Offer Timely Relief to South African Farmers Amid US Tariff Threats
South African farmers have welcomed the recent fuel price cuts, which coincide with the start of a high-demand agricultural season. Petrol prices dropped by 22c/litre and diesel by over 40c/litre, easing input costs during the harvesting of 4.44 million hectares of summer crops and the planting of 827,970 hectares of winter crops. The reductions result from global oil price declines driven by geopolitical tensions and oversupply. However, the sector faces looming threats from US tariffs imposed by President Trump, jeopardising key agricultural exports, particularly citrus. Industry experts warn of severe impacts on rural economies and trade competitiveness.
Read full story: Daily Investor
Date Published: May 8, 2025
African News
African Agrifood Leaders Undertake Transformative Study Visit to Ireland via FAO’s HASTEN Initiative
From 28 April to 3 May 2025, 22 emerging agrifood leaders from Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone participated in a study visit to Ireland under the FAO’s HASTEN initiative. Organised by Sustainable Food Systems Ireland, the visit exposed participants to Ireland’s integrated agrifood systems, including coordinated governance, public-private-academic partnerships, and sustainable farming practices. Engaging with institutions like Teagasc and Bord Bia, attendees explored regenerative agriculture, climate-smart farming, and inclusive agripreneurship models. The experience aimed to equip future leaders with the competencies and systems thinking necessary to drive SDG-aligned agrifood transformations in their home countries.
Read full story: FAO
Date Published: May 8, 2025
Global News
EU Farm Policy Overhaul: Increased Disaster Relief and Relaxed Environmental Standards
The European Commission's latest farm policy reform introduces increased financial support for farmers affected by natural disasters. However, it also proposes significant reductions in environmental regulations tied to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Key measures include making biodiversity-promoting practices, such as crop diversification and land set-asides, voluntary rather than mandatory. Additionally, small farms under 10 hectares would be exempt from compliance checks. These changes aim to alleviate bureaucratic burdens but have raised concerns among environmental groups and scientists about the potential negative impact on sustainability and climate resilience.
Read full story: Politico
Date Published: May 9, 2025
Thailand's Royal Ploughing Ceremony Forecasts Prosperous Harvest Amid Economic Concerns
On 9 May 2025, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok, marking the commencement of the rice-planting season. This centuries-old ritual, dating back approximately 700 years, serves to predict agricultural prospects for the year ahead. The ceremony featured sacred oxen participating in symbolic auguries, selecting items that indicated sufficient rainfall and a prosperous harvest. Despite the nation's current economic challenges, the ceremony's predictions suggested a favourable year for agriculture, offering hope to the farming community.
Read full story: The Independent
Date Published: May 9, 2025
Over 8,000 Cows Infected with Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Kuwait
Kuwait is grappling with a significant outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with over 8,000 cows confirmed infected across various regions. The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has implemented stringent measures, including quarantines, vaccinations, and enhanced surveillance, to contain the spread. Despite these efforts, the disease continues to affect livestock, posing challenges to the agricultural sector. Authorities are working closely with regional health organisations to manage the crisis and prevent further outbreaks.
Read full story: Gulf News
Date Published: May 9, 2025
NFU Welcomes 'Balanced and Considered' UK–India Trade Deal
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has expressed support for the UK–India free trade agreement, describing it as a "balanced and considered" outcome that addresses key concerns within the agricultural sector. The deal, the first free trade agreement signed under the Labour government, will reduce tariffs on 90% of UK exports to India, including products such as whisky, gin, salmon, chocolate, biscuits, and lamb. The government has assured that the agreement does not compromise food safety or biosecurity, with all imports still required to meet the UK’s high regulatory standards. NFU President Tom Bradshaw praised ministers for protecting sensitive agricultural sectors by retaining existing tariffs on sugar, chicken, eggs, and pork, and welcomed full market access for high-quality British lamb. The NFU plans to conduct further scrutiny of the agreement once full treaty details are published.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: May 8, 2025
