South African News
Nampo Harvest Day Opens Today
Nampo 2025 kicks off today, 13 May, in Bothaville and runs until Thursday, 16 May. As the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural expo, it brings together farmers, suppliers, and innovators from across the sector.
Farm.co.za and AgrifoodSA are proud to be part of the action at Zest Weg Hall, Stand 5. We’re showcasing South Africa’s trusted agri directory, our new-look Farm.co.za website, and the Today in Farming news roundup.
Come meet the team, grow your supplier network, and discover how we’re helping connect agriculture with real solutions—online, in print, and on the ground.
Read full story: Farm.co.za
Date published: May 13, 2025
South African Pork Producers Express Concerns Over US Tariffs and Trade Leverage
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (Sappo) has raised alarms about potential US pressure to relax stringent pork import restrictions in exchange for tariff concessions. Following the US's imposition of a 31% tariff on most South African exports, including agricultural products, Sappo fears that the US may leverage this situation to influence South Africa's biosecurity policies. South Africa maintains a ban on US pork imports due to concerns over Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a disease prevalent in American pig herds. Sappo emphasises the importance of preserving the country's PRRS-free status to protect its local pork industry, despite the broader trade challenges posed by the new tariffs.
Read full story: Freight News
Date Published: May 9, 2025
China Signals Interest in Boosting Imports from South Africa
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, recently expressed a strong desire to enhance bilateral trade by increasing imports of South African agricultural and industrial products. Following a productive meeting with leaders from the Citrus Growers’ Association and Fruit SA, Wu highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties amidst global trade uncertainties. This development has been met with optimism from South African agricultural sectors, including citrus and fruit industries, which anticipate expanded market access and growth opportunities in China.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: May 11, 2025
African News
Nigeria Faces Deepening Food Crisis Amid Water Scarcity and Climate Change
Nigeria's agricultural sector is grappling with severe water shortages, exacerbated by climate change, leading to diminished crop yields and escalating food insecurity. In Sokoto state, farmers like Umaru Muazu are witnessing rivers dry up, making irrigation nearly impossible without costly alternatives. The nation's smallholder farmers, who produce 90% of the country's food, are particularly affected. Over 80% of Nigerian farmers are smallholders, responsible for 90% of the country's food production. Despite government efforts, agricultural output has declined, and food imports surged by 136% from 2023 to 2024. Experts advocate for the adoption of climate-resilient farming techniques to mitigate the ongoing crisis.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: May 13, 2025
Global News
China to Increase Soybean Imports from Brazil Amid US Trade Tensions
China plans to boost its soybean imports from Brazil, aiming to reduce dependence on the United States amid escalating trade tensions. Recent actions include reinstating the registration of five Brazilian exporters, allowing them to resume shipments to China. This move is part of China's broader strategy to diversify its agricultural import sources and strengthen economic ties with Latin American nations. Analysts suggest that Brazil, Argentina, and Australia may become more prominent suppliers as China seeks alternatives to U.S. agricultural products. The shift reflects China's efforts to mitigate risks associated with the ongoing trade war with the U.S.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: May 13, 2025
FAO Urges Enhanced Biosecurity Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Threat
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a global alert regarding the resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in North Africa, particularly in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. The FAO's Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) has recommended that member countries intensify biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease. The FAO has detected the SAT 2 serotype in recent outbreaks, a strain previously confined to Algeria. The FAO has also noted that the O/EA-3 strain has been present throughout 2023 in Tunisia. The FAO has emphasized the need for strict border controls and enhanced surveillance to mitigate the risk of FMD transmission.
Read full story: Revista Chacra
Date Published: May 12, 2025
Drought Conditions in South Australia and Victoria Worsen
Drought Conditions in South Australia and Victoria Worsen, Leaving Rural Communities in Crisis
Farmers in South Australia and Victoria are enduring severe drought conditions, with regions like Truro receiving minimal rainfall since November 2022. Pastures are barren, forcing livestock culls and reliance on costly imported feed. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts continued below-average rainfall and elevated temperatures, exacerbating the crisis. Dairy farmers in Victoria are particularly affected, facing skyrocketing hay prices and dwindling water supplies. While state and federal governments have announced relief packages, advocacy groups urge for more comprehensive support, highlighting the profound impact on local economies and mental health.
Read full story: The Guardian
Date Published: May 11, 2025
Defra Reverses SFI Scheme Closure Following NFU Legal Challenge
The UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has reversed its decision to abruptly close the 2024 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme after legal pressure from the National Farmers' Union (NFU). The NFU argued that the sudden closure, announced without prior notice, left thousands of farmers in limbo and caused financial uncertainty. In response, Defra has allowed farmers who had started applications before the closure to complete them, with potential payments up to £9,300 per application. The government has pledged to launch a reformed version of the SFI scheme following consultations with the farming industry.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: May 12, 2025
