South African News
Farmer Brain Drain Poses Greater Threat to South African Agriculture Than Export Losses
The emigration of experienced South African farmers, particularly Afrikaners, could have a more detrimental impact on the country's agricultural sector than the potential loss of export markets like the United States. Recent events, such as the departure of 49 individuals seeking refuge in the U.S., have raised concerns about a broader exodus. While the U.S. accounts for a modest portion of South Africa's agricultural exports, the loss of skilled farmers would undermine the sector's productivity and sustainability. To mitigate this risk, it's essential to enhance support for farmers, including financial incentives and access to technology, to retain their expertise and commitment to domestic agriculture.
Read full story: IOL
Date Published: May 30, 2025
Rural Farmers Still Await Promised Support One Year into South Africa’s Government of National Unity
A year after South Africa's government of national unity (GNU) took office, rural farmers report minimal progress in addressing longstanding challenges. Despite commitments to improve infrastructure, support smallholder farmers, and enhance service delivery, many in the agricultural sector, particularly in under-resourced areas, continue to face issues such as delayed access to inputs, limited market access, and unreliable extension services. Experts emphasise the need for urgent reforms, including investment in rural infrastructure, targeted subsidies, and stronger public-private partnerships to support emerging farmers and ensure food security.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: May 30, 2025
African News
International Livestock Research Institute Becomes WOAH’s First Collaborating Centre for One Health
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has been designated as the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (WOAH) inaugural Collaborating Centre for One Health. This designation recognises ILRI’s extensive expertise in integrating human, animal, and environmental health research across Africa and Asia. ILRI’s One Health approach addresses critical issues such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety, aligning with WOAH’s mission to enhance global animal health. The collaboration aims to strengthen research capacities, promote policy development, and foster international partnerships to tackle emerging health threats at the human-animal-environment interface.
Read full story: African Agribusiness
Date Published: May 30, 2025
Global News
Uttar Pradesh Embraces Gene Editing to Transform Agricultural Productivity
Uttar Pradesh is integrating gene editing and biotechnology into its agricultural development strategy to address stagnant crop yields and enhance sustainability. At a landmark workshop hosted by Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, experts and officials, including Dr. K V Raju and representatives from FSII and BCIL, emphasised the need for state-level policy support to scale up GM and gene-edited crop adoption. Plans include establishing a 200-acre seed park and encouraging crop diversification. While national support for biotech crops grows, local implementation remains key to translating scientific advancements into on-the-ground benefits for farmers.
Read full story: Agro Pages
Date Published: May 26, 2025
Argentina's Sugar Sector Faces Challenges in Replicating Record-Breaking Harvest
As Argentina embarks on its 2025 sugarcane harvest, the industry confronts the challenge of replicating the exceptional performance of the previous year. The 2024 harvest saw record-breaking exports of nearly 600,000 tonnes, generating US$368.7 million in revenue, a significant increase from the 120,000 tonnes exported in 2023. This surge was driven by adverse weather conditions in major producing countries, such as Brazil, leading to a global supply shortage. However, the 2025 season faces uncertainties, including potential climatic disruptions and the need for strategic policy support to maintain competitiveness.
Read full story: Revista Chacra
Date Published: May 29, 2025
Lab-Grown Meat Poses Significant Threat to Traditional Livestock Farming, Study Reveals
A pioneering UK-Norway study indicates that traditional livestock sectors—particularly beef, lamb, milk, and eggs—are highly susceptible to competition from lab-grown alternatives. The research, funded by Norway’s Ruralis Institute for Rural Research, modelled scenarios with and without a carbon tax, finding that these sectors could experience a substantial decline in market share, especially if a carbon tax is implemented. The study suggests that consumers may increasingly view cultivated and conventional animal products as interchangeable, with cost being a significant purchasing driver. This underscores the need for governments and agricultural sectors to prepare for the shifting dynamics of the global protein market.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: May 23, 2025
Court Overturns Trump’s Tariffs; Administration Plans Appeal
On May 28, 2025, the United States Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), exceeded his constitutional authority. The court permanently blocked the tariffs, stating that the IEEPA does not grant the president the power to enact such sweeping trade measures. The administration has appealed the decision, and a federal appellate court has temporarily reinstated the tariffs while it considers the appeal. The case has significant implications for executive power in trade policy.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date Published: May 29, 2025
