South African News
Farmers Face Financial Ruin Amidst Ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak
South African farmers are grappling with severe economic strain due to the persistent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape. Strict government measures, including transport bans and lengthy veterinary assessments, have hindered livestock sales and slaughtering. Farmers like Hennie de Wet report incurring costs exceeding R21,000 for mandatory assessments without state assistance. Despite the strain, authorities attribute the crisis to non-compliance with preventive protocols, while industry leaders urge for more effective support and intervention to prevent widespread financial collapse in the sector.
Read full story: The Citizen
Date Published: May 26, 2025
Mashatile’s Visit to France Highlights Strategic Agricultural Diplomacy for South Africa
South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile visited France to strengthen economic and agricultural ties with the European Union, which remains a key export market, accounting for 19% of South Africa’s agricultural exports in 2024. Major exports include citrus, grapes, and wine. However, trade is challenged by EU non-tariff barriers, such as strict phytosanitary measures on citrus despite prior treatments. Mashatile’s visit emphasises the importance of maintaining strong EU relations while also seeking to diversify agricultural markets through partnerships with BRICS countries like China and India. The EU continues to play a central role in South Africa’s agricultural trade strategy.
Read full story: Agricultural Economics Today
Date Published: May 25, 2025
African News
Sudanese Farmers Struggle to Revive War-Torn Farmlands Amidst Debt and Infrastructure Collapse
In central Sudan, farmers like Omar Qouz are attempting to resume agricultural activities after two years of conflict, facing challenges such as damaged irrigation systems, halted funding, and substantial debts. The El Suki Agricultural Project in Sennar and the El Gezira scheme, among Africa's largest, are severely impacted by collapsed infrastructure and looted resources. Despite government promises, efforts to restore irrigation and secure financing have been insufficient. Farmers report limited support and fear imprisonment due to unpaid pre-war loans, threatening the viability of the 2025 planting season.
Read full story: All Africa
Date Published: May 25, 2025
Global News
Western Australian Farmers Embrace Agritourism to Diversify Income Amid Economic Pressures
Farmers in southern Western Australia are increasingly turning to agritourism to bolster their incomes and ensure the sustainability of their operations. The sector, which combines agriculture with tourism through activities like farm stays, tours, and hospitality, is projected by CSIRO to reach a value of $18.6 billion by 2030. For instance, Raquel and Murray Johnson of Galloway Springs farm in Bridgetown have successfully integrated a tiny house accommodation into their regenerative farming practices, attracting international visitors and enhancing their business resilience. Experts advocate for collaboration over competition to maximise the sector's potential.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: May 26, 2025
Mexican Ranchers Decry Border Control Lapses Amid Screwworm Outbreak
Mexican cattle ranchers are voicing concerns over insufficient border controls allowing unchecked cattle movement from Central America, exacerbating the spread of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). Approximately 100,000 cattle cross the 692-kilometre southern border with Guatemala monthly without adequate sanitary inspections, increasing the risk of the parasitic infestation. The screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe harm to livestock and humans. While Mexico has implemented measures such as wound treatments and inspection stations, ranchers argue that illegal cattle trade remains a significant threat to controlling the outbreak.
Read full story: Ground News
Date Published: May 25, 2025
Hidden Fungus Could Support Future Food Production
Scientists at the James Hutton Institute in the UK have identified the endophytic fungus Epichloë, naturally present in some British wild grasses, as a potential asset for sustainable agriculture. When residing within plants, Epichloë can enhance drought resistance, deter pests, and reduce the need for chemical pesticides, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. Despite its benefits, the fungus has not been widely adopted in UK farming due to concerns over potential toxicity and ecological impact. Researchers advocate for rigorous testing and regulation before introducing Epichloë into commercial agriculture.
Read full story: Ag Tech Navigator
Date Published: May 26, 2025
China Launches World’s First Salmon Farming Ship to Boost Food Security
China is set to launch the world’s first vessel dedicated to salmon farming, the Su Hai No 1, in June, as part of its strategy to enhance domestic seafood production and reduce dependence on imports. The 250-metre ship, built at Guangzhou’s Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard for 600 million yuan (US$83.6 million), is designed to produce up to 8,000 tonnes of salmon annually. Equipped with advanced mobility and onboard processing capabilities, the vessel can evade environmental threats and deliver fresh salmon to domestic markets within 24 hours. The initiative reflects Beijing’s push to build a “marine breadbasket” amid growing global food security concerns.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: May 26, 2025
