South African News
Smart farming initiative empowers rural youth in North West
A new smart farming programme launched at Earth Hub Africa in Schaumburg near Skeerpoort has empowered ten young agripreneurs aiming for a National Certificate in Plant Production. Supported by Earth Hub Africa in partnership with MTN SA Foundation, Shell Downstream South Africa, and the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the initiative equips participants with modern farming methods, digital tools, land access, training, mentorship, and market integration. MEC Madoda Sambatha praised the collaboration, emphasising its role in promoting youth involvement in agriculture, food security, and economic self-reliance. Beneficiary Jafta Lin Boya described the opportunity as “life‑changing”, affirming that he now “feels seen and empowered.”
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: June 25, 2025
Red meat stakeholders urged to unite for industry progress
Leading figures in South Africa’s red meat sector are calling for collaboration across the value chain to drive growth and resilience. At a recent workshop in Pretoria, Dr Michael Bradfield of Agricultural Business SA urged the industry to take ownership of its future, align with the National Development Plan, and focus on premium and export markets. He emphasised animal health, traceability, and enhanced R&D as essential. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana stressed the need to include small-scale farmers in transformation efforts, ensuring equitable participation and broad-based development. A unified, self-reliant approach is seen as crucial to elevate the industry’s global competitiveness.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: June 24, 2025
African News
Nigeria and Brazil agree US $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project to transform agriculture
Nigeria and Brazil have finalised the commercial phase of the Green Imperative Project (GIP), a US $1.1 billion initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable low‑carbon farming, and attracting private‑sector investment. Signed on 17 March at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the agreement forms part of a broader US $8 billion package including further phases and a Joint Bilateral Strategy. High-level Nigerian officials highlighted the project’s role in linking smallholder farmers to value chains, improving food security, and driving economic growth. Brazil will also support the import and local servicing of agricultural machinery.
Read full story: Business Insider Africa
Date Published: June 25, 2025
Global News
Asia’s coffee revolution: demand surges and youth swap tea for lattes
A vibrant coffee culture is sweeping across Asia, with China at the forefront. In Yunnan, traditional tea plantations have pivoted to producing coffee, supplying increasingly popular espressos, lattes and flat whites to urban consumers. Boasting nearly all of China’s coffee output, Yunnan’s growers are meeting rising domestic demand, while younger generations embrace coffee as both a lifestyle choice and social ritual. Government support and booming café openings in second-tier cities underscore the sector’s rapid growth. With annual consumption rising and coffee shops dominating cultural hubs, Asia is poised to become a global coffee powerhouse.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: June 24, 2025
Great Fen joins European ‘wet farming’ trial to restore peatlands and cut emissions
Cambridgeshire’s Great Fen has been selected as one of four European sites to pilot “wet farming” or paludiculture, a sustainable method of growing crops on undrained peatlands. Part of the PaluWise project, the trial at Speechly’s Farm will cultivate crops like bulrush and wet grassland while preserving carbon-rich peat soils and supporting wetland biodiversity. With 18 partners from eight countries, the four-year initiative also includes sites in Finland, Poland, and the Netherlands. Project manager Lorna Parker highlighted the environmental and community benefits, aiming to transform perceptions of peat landscapes and position the Fens as a model for low-emission agriculture.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: June 25, 2025
Thailand’s maize boom fuels meat exports but leaves environmental scars
Thailand’s maize boom, driven by soaring demand for animal feed in its meat export industry, has transformed northern regions like Mae Chaem into vast monoculture zones, clearing over 1.88 million hectares of forest since 2015. Farmers face soil degradation, rising debts, and rely on field burning that fuels toxic haze, harming public health and worsening floods and landslides. Cross-border contract farming in Myanmar has similarly displaced many smallholders. Despite lawsuits and government pledges, enforcement lags, and maize cultivation persists. Experts call for sustainable reforms including carbon markets, crop diversification, and greater transparency to protect farmers, communities, and the environment.
Read full story: CAN
Date Published: June 25, 2025
Agri-Clinics Initiative to Expand Nationwide to Support Indian Farmers
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to expand the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres scheme across India. This initiative aims to provide farmers with expert advice on soil health, crop management, plant protection, and post-harvest technology. The expansion follows feedback from the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan', a nationwide campaign that connected scientists with farmers. The first crop-specific engagement will focus on soybean cultivation in Madhya Pradesh on June 26, with subsequent sessions planned for other crops in various states.
Read full story: The Times of India
Date Published: June 24, 2025
