South African News
South Africa Launches Avian Influenza Vaccination Strategy to Safeguard Poultry Industry
South Africa has confirmed the rollout of its vaccination strategy against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), as announced by Deputy Director-General Dipepeneneng Serage at the AVI Africa 2025 conference. The approach prioritises biosecurity, traceability, surveillance, and the controlled use of locally registered vaccines. The initiative aims to safeguard public health, support farmers, and protect export markets. With three H5 vaccines approved and an H7 variant in development, implementation will begin immediately, starting with a pilot farm under evaluation. Serage emphasised that urgent action is essential, even as scientific understanding continues to evolve.
Read full story: SA Poultry Association
Date Published: June 10, 2025
Climate Change Threatens South Africa’s Food Security, Warns Weekend Argus
South Africa’s food security is under severe threat as climate change disrupts agricultural productivity. Studies suggest maize yields may become 25 % more variable, with production potentially halving by 2050, impacting roughly 18 million households currently facing food insecurity. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall have already driven maize prices up by around 30 %, disproportionately affecting low-income families. Roscoe van Wyk from Stellenbosch Business School calls for a restructuring of the sector through enterprise development, climate adaptation, supportive policies, and investment in small-scale farmers. He highlights that a mere 1 % rise in food prices can erode household welfare by over 20 %, reversing progress in poverty reduction.
Read full story: IOL
Date Published: June 10, 2025
African News
Morocco Donates 2,000 Tonnes of Fertiliser to Boost Ghana’s Food Security
Morocco has pledged 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser to Ghanaian farmers to strengthen food security, alongside support for constructing a modern fertiliser manufacturing plant in Ghana. The announcement, part of a broader cooperation agreement between Rabat and Accra, was revealed by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister. The donation forms the first phase of agricultural collaboration that also offers technical assistance for local fertiliser production. This initiative underscores Morocco’s commitment to food stability in Africa and highlights growing South–South cooperation in sustainable agriculture.
Read full story: Morocco World News
Date Published: June 10, 2025
Global News
Fall Armyworm Overwinters in Parts of New Zealand, Challenging Expectations
The invasive fall armyworm—primarily a maize and sweetcorn pest—has survived winter in unexpected regions of New Zealand, including West Coast and Grey Valley, defying early assessments that predicted its eradication during colder months. Researchers at a May workshop report that New Zealand’s mild, oceanic climate allows this tropical species to persist where winter temperatures rarely dip below 10 °C. While northern areas such as Northland have seen four generations this season, southern regions like Westland and Tasman also experience year‑round survival or continual reinfestation, aided by volunteer maize crops and local microclimates. Scientists call for further research into overwintering hosts and pest movement to guide biosecurity responses.
Read full story: Rural News
Date Published: June 11, 2025
EU Approves Recycled Phosphorus for Use in Organic Farming
The European Commission has granted approval for RevoCaP, a phosphorus product recovered from sewage sludge ash, to be used in organic farming as well as conventional agriculture. Produced using EasyMining’s Ash2Phos method at Schkopau, the process extracts over 90 % of phosphorus from ash, ensuring pathogen destruction through incineration. The pioneering plant will also reclaim iron, aluminium and sand. Germany mandates phosphorus recovery at sewage works by 2029, and the new facility, launching in 2027, supports the EU’s drive for greater self-sufficiency and circular economy.
Read full story: News Room
Date Published: June 10, 2025
Japan Embraces Imported Rice Amid Rising Domestic Prices and Climate Pressures
Japan is facing a rice crisis as soaring prices—nearly double those of a year ago—and dwindling stockpiles, driven by scorching weather and high tourist demand, strain supply. The government has released hundreds of thousands of tonnes from reserves, yet prices remain stubbornly high. As a result, imported rice—from the US, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan—is gaining traction, with taste testers deeming it acceptable for many dishes. This shift challenges Japan’s long-standing cultural resistance to foreign rice and could herald lasting changes to the staple that has been central to national identity.
Read full story: The Guardian
Date Published: June 11, 2025
AI Set to Boost Sugarcane Yields by 30% and Cut Water Use in Half, Say Experts
Artificial Intelligence technologies are poised to revolutionise sugarcane farming in Maharashtra, with experts projecting a 30 percent increase in per‑acre yields and a 50 percent reduction in water usage. A recent MoU between the Vasantdada Sugar Institute and the Agricultural Development Trust, supported by Microsoft’s AI systems, will deploy automated stations to monitor soil, water, pests and nutrient levels. Farmers will receive real‑time cultivation alerts via “war room” dashboards, helping extend mill operating days and reduce losses. Pilot installations are expected by August or early September.
Read full story: Business Standard
Date Published: June 11, 2025
