South African News
South Africa Allocates R72 Million for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Initiative
The South African government has committed R72 million to bolster its response to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, particularly affecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces. This funding aims to enhance vaccination efforts, improve biosecurity measures, and support the livestock sector's recovery. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the economic impact of FMD, which has previously led to export restrictions and financial losses in the agricultural industry.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: June 5, 2025
SAWIPB Documentary Highlights Skilled Workforce Behind South Africa’s Wine Industry
The South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) has unveiled a mini-documentary titled This Is SAWIPB, showcasing the transformative journey of South Africa’s wine sector. The film features stories from various professionals across the wine value chain, emphasising resilience, passion, and the importance of skills development. Kachné Ross, People and Skills Development Manager at South Africa Wine, highlights that the initiative is not just about formalising structures but about building a platform for individuals to grow, be recognised, and contribute to the industry's future. The documentary underscores SAWIPB's holistic approach, spanning viticulture, winemaking, marketing, tourism, and logistics, and introduces tools like a learner management system to track and empower workers' development journeys.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: June 4, 2025
African News
Southern Africa Urged to Diversify Crops for Climate Resilience and Food Security
Experts at the CoreSFS forum, hosted by the University of Pretoria, emphasised the urgent need for Southern Africa to reduce its reliance on maize by promoting resilient, underutilised crops like sorghum and soybeans. The FOSTA-HELP programme, spanning Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and South Africa, models scenarios predicting One Health implications by 2050. Professor Richard Whitfield highlighted that diversification is essential for building resilience against climate shocks and meeting the interconnected challenges of food insecurity, health threats, and environmental degradation. Zambia's national agricultural investment plan exemplifies this shift, aiming to more than double soybean production from 2022 levels.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: June 5, 2025
Global News
Japanese Consumers Rush for Discounted Rice as Government Prepares to Release More Stockpiled Supplies
In response to soaring rice prices in Japan, the government has begun selling stockpiled rice directly to retailers at approximately ¥2,000 (about £14) per 5 kg bag—less than half the usual cost. This initiative has led to long queues at stores like Ito-Yokado and Aeon, despite a one-bag-per-household limit. The surge in prices, attributed to extreme heat affecting production, has prompted concerns ahead of upcoming elections. The government is prepared to release additional stockpiled rice and may even repurchase previously auctioned supplies to stabilise the market.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: June 3, 2025
New Research Targets Suicide Crisis in Scottish Farming and Crofting
A new three-year PhD project, led by Professor Rory O’Connor from the University of Glasgow, aims to address the high suicide rates in Scotland’s farming and crofting communities. The research, in collaboration with RSABI, will investigate the unique challenges faced by these communities, including isolation, stress, and limited access to healthcare. Utilising the Integrated Motivational-Volitional model of suicidal behaviour, the study will involve a national survey and in-depth interviews with individuals affected by suicide. The findings aim to inform effective prevention strategies and support services tailored to the agricultural sector.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: June 3, 2025
Cambodia Allocates $35 Million to Support Modern Agricultural Communities
Cambodia's government has announced a $35 million fund to provide low-interest loans to modern agricultural communities between 2025 and 2027. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural quality, improve market access, and expand the development of these communities. Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the establishment of 12 new communities, bringing the total to 2,601 across seven provinces, focusing on crops such as rice, cashew nuts, vegetables, and pepper. The government plans to extend this model to include high-value crops like rubber and durian, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable agricultural development.
Read full story: Asia News Network
Date Published: June 5, 2025
Zebu Cattle in Brazil: Pioneering the Future of Global Livestock Farming
Zebu cattle, originating from India, now constitute approximately 80% of Brazil's 230 million-strong cattle herd, owing to their exceptional adaptability to hot climates and resilience against parasites and diseases. Since the 1970s, Brazil has invested in advanced breeding techniques, including cloning and reproductive technologies, leading to significant genetic improvements. The ExpoZebu exhibition, the world's largest dedicated to this breed, showcases these advancements. Brazil's commitment to disease-free status, recognised by the World Health Organization, further enhances the global appeal of its Zebu cattle, positioning them as a sustainable and productive choice for future livestock farming.
Read full story: UkrAgroConsult
Date Published: June 5, 2025
