South African News
Road Freight Association Marks 50 Years with Vision for South Africa’s Transport Future
The Road Freight Association (RFA) celebrated its 50th anniversary during its annual Convention held from 23 to 25 May at Champagne Sports Resort, KwaZulu-Natal. Since 1975, the RFA has shaped policy, supported industry development, and now focuses on modernisation, sustainability, and regulatory reform. CEO Gavin Kelly outlined priorities including infrastructure challenges, economic regulation, and cleaner energy. Presentations covered economic trends, political transformation, AI-driven road safety, the shift toward rail freight, and B-BBEE compliance. With a 12% rise in membership and calls for deeper collaboration, the Convention reaffirmed the RFA’s central role in the evolving South African freight landscape.
Read full story: CVLC Communication
Date Published: June 3, 2025
Livestock Land Reform Beneficiaries Outperform Crop-Focused Counterparts
Beneficiaries of South Africa's land reform programme who focus on livestock farming are reportedly achieving better outcomes than those cultivating crops. This trend is attributed to livestock's resilience to climate variability, lower input costs, and reduced reliance on external markets. Conversely, crop farming often faces challenges such as inconsistent rainfall, high input expenses, and market access issues. Despite these advantages, livestock farmers still encounter obstacles like limited access to capital, training, and infrastructure. The findings suggest that integrating livestock into land reform strategies could enhance food security and economic stability for rural communities.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: June 2, 2025
African News
Africa Emerges as Leading Recipient of Global Agricultural Aid
In 2022, Africa received $8.2 billion in agricultural development finance, surpassing all other regions combined. This 56% increase from 2021 and 82% rise from 2015 is attributed to post-COVID recovery efforts and heightened international support following the Ukraine conflict, which disrupted global grain supplies. Despite this influx, a significant funding gap persists for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The FAO reports that while these SMEs require $90 billion in financing, only $15.5 billion is accessible through formal channels, underscoring the need for enhanced domestic investment and financial inclusion.
Read full story: Ecofin Agency
Date Published: June 2, 2025
Global News
Farmers Urge Overhaul of €386bn EU Policy as Small Farms Decline
A coalition of farmers, environmental groups, and over 100,000 citizens is calling for urgent reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which allocates €386 billion in subsidies. They argue that the current system disproportionately benefits large agribusinesses, with 80% of funds going to just 20% of recipients, while over five million small farms have disappeared since 2005. The campaign, supported by WeMove Europe, highlights that up to 70% of farmers in Spain, Italy, and Poland feel neglected by policymakers. They advocate for subsidies to support sustainable, small- and medium-sized farms, fairer market regulations, and alignment with the EU Green Deal.
Read full story: Business Wire
Date Published: June 3, 2025
Increased Youth Interest in Agriculture Amid Government Support in Malaysia
Youth interest in agriculture is on the rise in Malaysia, spurred by government initiatives like the Geran Agropreneur Muda (GAM) grant, offering up to RM30,000 to individuals aged 18 to 45 for ventures in farming, livestock, fisheries, or agro-based industries. Johor Fruit Farmers Association chairman Alvins Lo noted a surge in inquiries from young people seeking entrepreneurial opportunities and subsidies in agriculture. To further support this trend, the association hosted an agricultural talk in Yong Peng, attended by approximately 40 youths, where officials discussed available incentives and subsidy programmes.
Read full story: The Star
Date Published: June 3, 2025
USDA Leads Trade Mission to Peru to Boost Agricultural Exports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is spearheading a trade mission to Lima, Peru, from June 9–12, 2025, aimed at enhancing market access and addressing the $3.66 billion agricultural trade deficit with Peru. The delegation comprises over 50 agribusinesses, trade organisations, and representatives from five U.S. state departments of agriculture. Participants will engage in business-to-business meetings with buyers from Peru and Ecuador, focusing on sectors such as beef, pork, poultry, dairy, tree nuts, and health-conscious foods. This initiative seeks to strengthen economic ties and support rural prosperity by expanding U.S. agricultural exports in South America.
Read full story: Feedstuffs
Date Published: June 2, 2025
South Australian Farmers Seek Low-Interest Loans Amid Drought Crisis
Farmers in South Australia are urging the federal government to offer low or no-interest loans to help them navigate severe drought conditions. Emily Morgan, a farmer from Jabuk, emphasised that such loans would enable them to purchase essential supplies like fodder and fertiliser, alleviating financial strain without relying on handouts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced an additional $2 million in funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service, supplementing the $800,000 allocated last week. While these measures are welcomed, farmers assert that more immediate financial support is crucial to sustain their operations during this challenging period.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: June 3, 2025
