South African News
South Africa’s Wine Industry Urged to Innovate or Risk Decline
At the 2025 South Africa Wine Summit, industry leaders emphasised the need for innovation to maintain global competitiveness. Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine, highlighted the importance of aligning production with market demand, noting that over 10,000 hectares of vineyards have been planted since 2017 using data-driven strategies. Despite challenges like climate change and economic instability, the industry is investing in technology, research, and black-owned enterprises. Basson stressed that the future lies in producing high-quality, value-driven wines rather than increasing volume.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: May 23, 2025
Fact-checking Donald Trump's Oval Office Confrontation with Cyril Ramaphosa
During a White House meeting on 21 May 2025, former US President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over claims of widespread violence against white farmers in South Africa. Trump played a video showing rows of white crosses, suggesting they marked burial sites for murdered farmers. However, the crosses were part of a 2020 memorial for a specific farming couple, not mass graves. Additionally, Trump referred to these incidents as part of a broader "genocide" narrative, a claim that has been debunked by multiple sources. The BBC Verify team provides a detailed fact-check of these assertions.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: May 22, 2025
African News
IFAD and Libya Launch US$9.2 Million Initiative to Combat Water Scarcity
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have partnered with the Libyan government to launch the RENEWAL project, a US$9.2 million initiative aimed at assisting 57,000 smallholder farmers and pastoralist households in arid regions. This project, IFAD's first in Libya, focuses on enhancing water and soil management, conducting climate vulnerability assessments, and building local capacity. Emphasising social inclusion, it prioritises the needs of women, youth, and small-scale farmers, with activities targeting the northwest, northeast, and southern regions of Libya.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: May 22, 2025
Global News
Innovative Technique Converts Cow Manure into Valuable Manufacturing Material
Researchers at University College London (UCL) and Edinburgh Napier University have developed a method to extract cellulose from cow manure, transforming it into manufacturing-grade cellulose. This cellulose, commonly used in products like surgical masks and food packaging, is typically derived from plant sources. The new process employs horizontal nozzle-pressurised spinning, an energy-efficient technique that eliminates the need for high-voltage electricity. This advancement not only provides a sustainable use for dairy farm waste but also offers a cleaner alternative to traditional cellulose production methods, aligning with circular economy principles.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: May 22, 2025
HyFarm and Fyllo Forge Alliance to Enhance Potato Farming with Precision Agriculture
HyFarm, the agribusiness arm of India's HyFun Foods, has partnered with agritech firm Fyllo to advance precision agriculture in potato farming. Leveraging Fyllo's AI-driven technology, the collaboration aims to optimise resource usage, reduce input costs, and improve water efficiency. Fyllo's solutions have already demonstrated significant benefits, including a 25–50% increase in farmer incomes and a 25% reduction in input costs. This partnership aligns with HyFarm's commitment to sustainable farming practices and its goal to procure one million metric tonnes of potatoes by 2028.
Read full story: AgroSpectrum India
Date Published: May 23, 2025
Europe Faces Silent Crop Crisis Amid Prolonged Drought
Europe is experiencing a significant agricultural crisis due to an extended drought affecting key crop-producing regions. Countries such as Spain, southern France, Italy, and parts of Germany and Hungary are witnessing severe soil moisture deficits, leading to substantial yield reductions. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre reports that nearly half of the EU territory is under drought warning, with 11% at higher alert levels. This situation threatens food security and could exacerbate global supply chain issues, especially for staples like maize, sunflower, and soybeans. Despite efforts to maximise production, the ongoing drought is undermining these gains.
Read full story: EU Today
Date Published: May 22, 2025
Researchers Brew Up Future for UK-Grown Tea
Researchers at Aberystwyth University are exploring the potential for cultivating tea in non-traditional UK regions, such as mid Wales and south-west England. Collaborating with Dartmoor Estate Tea in Devon and Buckhall Farm in Powys, the team employs machine-learning techniques to analyse the chemical profiles of tea plants grown in these areas. The study focuses on six tea varieties selected for their environmental adaptability and chemical complexity. Findings aim to inform tailored breeding and cultivation methods suited to local climates, contributing to agricultural diversification and food security.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: May 23, 2025
