South African News
Grain Inspection Contract Revoked to Curb Bread Prices and Inflation
South Africa’s Agriculture Minister has revoked Leaf Services’ grain inspection contract, a move widely welcomed by retailers and industry stakeholders. The contract, initially proposed in 2016, would have imposed unnecessary costs—estimated at over R600 million—on the grain sector without improving food safety. Retailers like Pick n Pay, Food Lover’s Market, and Shoprite cited the scheme’s inefficiencies and predicted it would raise bread prices significantly. The decision is seen as a consumer victory, protecting affordable food staples amid rising food inflation and economic strain.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: June 30, 2025
Snail and Slug Infestations Devastate Overberg Crops, Forcing Farmers to Replant
Farmers across the Overberg region are battling a surge in snail and slug infestations, which have destroyed large swathes of canola, barley, and wheat. The pests thrive under wet conditions and conservation agriculture practices that leave crop residues intact. Some farmers have been forced to replant entire fields, spending up to R1,000 per hectare on slug and snail pellets—often with limited success. The small pointed snail (Prietocella barbara) and the greenhouse slug (Milax gagates) are cited as the most destructive. Experts note these molluscs are especially difficult to control, as they hide deep underground and often avoid commercial pellets.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: June 30, 2025
African News
Africa’s Digital Farming Push Risks Marginalising Women Farmers
As African nations implement the 2025 Continental AgriTech Blueprint to boost agricultural productivity through digital innovation, a critical gap threatens its success—women are being left behind. Despite contributing up to 80% of food production in Sub-Saharan Africa, women face significant barriers to participating in digital agriculture, including limited internet access, low digital literacy, and restricted access to land and finance. The blueprint lacks gender-specific targets or funding for women-led AgriTech initiatives, risking the exclusion of a key demographic. Rwanda’s more inclusive model offers a potential roadmap for integrating gender equity into continent-wide AgriTech policies.
Read full story: Cedi Rates, The High Street Journal
Date Published: June 30, 2025
Global News
Trump’s Second Trade War Piles Pressure on Struggling U.S. Farmers
U.S. farmers face mounting economic strain as President Trump’s renewed trade war and sweeping tariff hikes threaten key agricultural exports and inflate input costs. Unlike the first trade conflict, this second round coincides with falling grain prices, rising fertiliser and fuel costs, and soaring interest rates on loans. Farmers now face tightening margins, declining incomes, and growing debt burdens. A temporary truce with China offers slight relief, but tariffs on other trading partners loom. Experts warn that excluding key partners like Canada and Mexico from future agreements could cause severe market disruption and further harm U.S. agriculture.
Read full story: Missouri Independent
Date Published: June 30, 2025
Calls Grow for EU Action Plan to Boost Plant-Based Diets
Campaigners and EU stakeholders are pushing for a formal action plan to promote plant-based diets across Europe, highlighting its potential for health improvements, environmental gains, food security, and economic opportunities for farmers. Over 130 organisations have urged the European Commission to adopt a comprehensive policy by 2026. Advocates argue that EU subsidies should shift away from animal agriculture to support legumes and other plant-based foods. Denmark’s national plan offers a model, while critics warn that resistance based on cultural traditions and misinformation about plant-based products could delay progress. A data-driven, farmer-inclusive strategy is deemed essential for sustainable transition.
Read full story: Euractiv
Date Published: June 30, 2025
Malaysia Targets Global Palates with Premium Durian Varieties Beyond Musang King
Malaysia is expanding its durian export strategy by promoting premium cultivars such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn, Hajah Hasmah, and MDUR 88 to global markets. While Musang King remains the flagship export, officials are eyeing certification and readiness of lesser-known varieties to meet rising international demand—especially from China. Agronomic assessments, strict export compliance, and new hybrid development are all part of the plan. With growing interest from countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, Malaysia’s durian production is expected to hit 570,000 tons this year, underscoring its ambition to dominate the premium durian sector worldwide.
Read full story: Retail News Asia
Date Published: July 1, 2025
Brazil Applauds UN Backing of Multicropping for Sustainable Jet Fuel
Brazil has welcomed a decision by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to recognise the environmental benefits of multicropping in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The move supports Brazil’s farming method of growing multiple crops—such as corn and soy—on the same land, a common practice in the country. Brazil’s energy minister hailed the decision as a victory for sustainable and inclusive energy leadership. The U.S. reportedly opposed the ruling, claiming it gives Brazil an unfair advantage by assigning lower carbon scores to its SAF production methods.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: June 30, 2025
