South African News
Mpumalanga on High Alert for Severe Fire Season Amid Delayed Preparedness
Mpumalanga is bracing for a potentially devastating fire season, with high fuel loads from lush vegetation and late autumn rains hampering fire preparedness. Last year’s wildfires scorched over 1.4 million hectares, causing damage exceeding R21 billion. The Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association warns that delayed burning of firebreaks and drier weather forecasts heighten fire risks. Strict regulations govern burn permits and landowner responsibilities under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act. Authorities urge collaboration between neighbours, proper equipment, and trained personnel to mitigate danger and ensure compliance with legal safety measures.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: July 6, 2025
Fears Mount Over Vaalputs Nuclear Waste Facility Upgrade and Its Impact on Northern Cape Agriculture
Plans to upgrade the Vaalputs nuclear waste facility in the Northern Cape have raised significant alarm among farmers and agricultural groups. The proposed development, intended to house long-term nuclear waste from Koeberg Power Station, could jeopardise sustainable farming, food security, and local biodiversity, according to the TLU SA. Concerns include potential contamination, reduced land values, and exclusion of local stakeholders from key decisions. Critics argue the expansion poses serious environmental risks, while proponents maintain that South Africa’s robust regulatory framework ensures safety. Tensions are expected to grow as the 2030 launch date approaches.
Read full story: IOL
Date Published: July 6, 2025
African News
Yara and Asili Launch Agri-Hub in Kiryandongo to Boost Ugandan Agriculture and Food Security
Yara East Africa and Asili Agriculture have inaugurated a new Agri-Hub Knowledge Centre in Kigumba, Kiryandongo District, aimed at empowering Ugandan farmers with agronomic knowledge, sustainable practices, and crop nutrition solutions. Focused on key crops like maize and soybeans, the hub will offer soil testing, farmer training, input access, and data-driven insights to improve productivity. The initiative underscores the role of strategic partnerships in transforming agriculture, promoting climate resilience, and enhancing food security. It also supports last-mile delivery, digital solutions, and market access to strengthen rural livelihoods and ensure long-term sustainability in Uganda’s farming sector.
Read full story: Ag News
Date Published: July 7, 2025
Global News
EU Nears Final Decision on New Genomic Techniques Amid Ongoing Parliamentary Disputes
The European Union is nearing the conclusion of a years-long legislative process to revise its regulations on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) used in plant breeding. Unlike over 30 countries worldwide that have eased restrictions to accelerate innovation, the EU has faced internal resistance and controversy. While the European Commission’s proposal passed a key parliamentary vote in February 2024, disputes persist over the scope of permissible modifications, traceability, labelling, and patentability. The final inter-institutional "trialogue" negotiations were suspended in June 2025 amid disagreements, leaving the future of EU plant-editing regulations uncertain despite global momentum.
Read full story: European Scientist
Date Published: July 6, 2025
NFU Urges Farming Education Reform to Bolster UK Food Security
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is calling on the UK government to enhance food security by improving how farming and food production are taught in schools. With the national curriculum under review for the first time in over a decade, the NFU highlights the need for updated content in STEM subjects—particularly GCSE Biology—to reflect modern agricultural realities. The union argues that better education will encourage informed food choices and address skills shortages in science and environmental management. NFU Vice-President Rachel Hallos emphasised that food security must be treated as national security, urging ministers to act decisively.
Read full story: Farmer’s Guide
Date Published: July 7, 2025
Qatar Embraces Smart Farming to Strengthen Food Security and Sustainability
Qatar is rapidly modernising its agricultural sector through smart farming technologies to enhance food security, reduce import reliance, and support sustainability goals under Qatar National Vision 2030. Key initiatives include high-tech greenhouses, drip irrigation, and climate-resilient crop development. The Ministry of Municipality has been pivotal, supporting 400 farms with advanced irrigation and expanding research into heat-tolerant and saline-resistant crops. Collaborations, such as a climate-focused project with South Korea, further boost resilience. With new service centres and access to modern machinery and inputs, Qatar is setting a benchmark in the region for innovation-led, sustainable agriculture.
Read full story: The Peninsula
Date Published: July 7, 2025
Climate-Resilient ‘Sassy’ Apple Set to Double Global Exports
Exports of New Zealand’s climate-resilient ‘Sassy’ apple are expected to nearly double this year to 1.8 million kilograms, with the vibrant red fruit now sold in over 10 countries. Bred by Plant and Food Research and grown by Taylor Corp and Golden Bay Fruit, the variety thrives in warmer climates, retains strong colour, and boasts a zesty flavour with long shelf life. Developed over two decades, ‘Sassy’ is now gaining traction internationally, including in South Africa, China, Europe, and the UK. Its success underscores the growing need for heat-tolerant, pest-resistant crops amid global climate change challenges.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 7, 2025
