South African News
EU launches €15 million fund to transform South Africa’s wine industry
A new €15 million Wine and Spirits Fund, backed by the EU under its EU‑SADC Economic Partnership Agreement, has been launched near Franschhoek to catalyse inclusive growth in South Africa’s wine sector. Managed collaboratively by the Department of Agriculture, Land Bank and NAMC, the fund will support equitable land and infrastructure access, training, skills development, and ethical marketing, with grants ranging from R500 000 to R10 million. It will also address social challenges including alcohol abuse and worker wellness. The initiative aims to expand black ownership by an additional 500 ha and double black‑owned brand sales.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: June 24, 2025
Young Farmers Still Locked Out of South Africa’s Agricultural Power Circles
Despite South Africa’s agricultural excellence, young black farmers remain sidelined from leadership and decision-making structures. Agricultural economist Malapane Thamaga highlights a disconnect between vibrant, capable young farmers and platforms like the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), which could benefit from their input. Youth-led structures such as YARD have lost credibility due to political infiltration, while meaningful inclusion remains rare. Encouragingly, some young professionals are being appointed to industry trusts and academic institutions are producing future leaders. However, integration and voluntary participation in relevant bodies remain crucial for the next generation to access influence and drive transformation.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: June 24, 2025
African News
Disease‑fighting farm robot aims to bolster African crop resilience
A new autonomous field robot is being deployed across African farms to detect crop diseases early, potentially revolutionising yields and food security. Equipped with advanced sensors and disease‑spotting AI, the robot roams fields, alerting farmers to early signs of fungal infections or pests before they spread. This timely detection allows for targeted interventions, reducing chemical use and boosting productivity. Initial trials demonstrate success in improving crop health through early warning systems. With roll‑out plans underway, this technology could empower smallholder farmers throughout Africa to safeguard their harvests and tackle food insecurity with smarter, proactive farming.
Read full story: The Telegraph
Date Published: June 23, 2025
Global News
Global rollout underway for Ruminant BioTech’s methane‑cutting bolus
Ruminant BioTech is initiating a global deployment of its slow‑release bolus, designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle and sheep by around 70% over six months. The bolus, containing a synthetic methane inhibitor, has demonstrated significant cuts during trials, including up to a 75% reduction over 100 days in New Zealand pastoral systems. With regulatory approval expected in New Zealand and market launch slated for Australia in October 2025, the company is supported by partnerships with AgriZeroNZ and backed by government and private investment. A manufacturing facility is also being prepared ahead of global interest.
Read full story: Rural News Group
Date Published: June 24, 2025
EARA Study Finds Regenerative Agriculture Boosts Productivity and Sustainability
A major study by the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA), covering 78 farms across 14 European countries from 2020 to 2023, reveals regenerative practices can outperform conventional systems. Farms achieved almost equivalent yields—just 1–2% lower—while using markedly fewer inputs (61% less synthetic fertiliser, 76% fewer pesticides). They also showed a 24% increase in photosynthesis, 23% more soil cover and 17% greater biodiversity. The report suggests adopting regenerative agriculture on 50% of EU farmland could offset emissions, with full adoption potentially making the sector carbon-negative.
Read full story: Speciality Food Magazine
Date Published: June 23, 2025
US President Weighs Immigration Relief for Farmworkers Amid ICE Raid Turmoil
The US president has suggested offering protections to “reputable” farmers by allowing them to assume responsibility for undocumented workers, aiming to shield the agricultural sector from harsh immigration enforcement. While initial remarks promised an executive order, Homeland Security has since confirmed that ICE raids on farms will persist, prioritising criminal cases. The policy flip‑flopping—halted guidance exempting farms one week, followed by resumed raids—has unsettled farmers and workers alike. With nearly half of U.S. farmworkers undocumented, industry leaders warn labour shortages could threaten food supply chains unless clearer, lasting solutions are enacted.
Read full story: Successful Farming
Date Published: June 23, 2025
130,000 Malaysian Padi Farmers Still Await Incentive Payments a Year On
Around 130,000 padi (rice) farmers in Malaysia are still waiting for government agricultural incentive payments nearly a year after they were promised. Farmers under the group Pesawah have urged authorities to improve stakeholder engagement, warning that the delay is causing financial hardship among producers. The pledges were made to support livelihoods and stabilise padi production, but the protracted delay has left many feeling frustrated and unsure when funds will arrive. The group has called on the government to follow through swiftly and ensure timely distribution to sustain the sector’s vitality.
Read full story: New Straits Times
Date Published: June 23, 2025
