South African News
South Africa’s Agricultural Exports Surge to US$3.36 Billion in Q1 2025
South Africa’s agricultural exports climbed to US$3.36 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a 10% year-on-year increase, according to the agriculture minister. The growth is credited to government efforts to diversify trade, open new markets, and enhance biosecurity. Notable export breakthroughs include avocados to China, maize to Japan and India, and beef to Iran. Initiatives like the National Biosecurity Council and expanded support for farmers and youth have strengthened the sector’s resilience. Over 6,000 farmers received financial support, and over 3,000 graduates entered agriculture internships, underscoring a holistic strategy for sustained sectoral growth.
Read full story: Central News
Date Published: July 8, 2025
90% of South Africa’s Rangelands Degraded, Urgent Action Underway to Restore Grasslands and Livelihoods
An estimated 90% of South Africa’s rangelands are degraded, threatening biodiversity, water sources, and rural livelihoods. To combat this, the WWF Nedbank Green Trust has launched a project in partnership with Meat Naturally Africa (MNA) and over 150 farmer associations, promoting regenerative grazing, fire prevention, and market access for communal farmers. The initiative spans over 420,000 hectares and includes mobile auctions, abattoirs, and business training to improve livestock quality and income. Special focus is placed on empowering women and youth, linking environmental stewardship with food security and rural economic growth in strategic water source areas.
Read full story: IOL
Date Published: July 9, 2025
African News
Hydroponics Empower Displaced Somali Women Amid Climate Crisis
In Baidoa, Somalia, displaced women are transforming their lives through hydroponic farming, cultivating crops like spinach and cucumbers in solar-powered greenhouses using nutrient-rich water instead of soil. Spearheaded by SOS Children’s Villages Somalia in 2022, the initiative addresses climate-induced agricultural collapse by training over 500 women and youth in sustainable food production. Supported by Germany and Sweden, 41 greenhouses now provide year-round income and food security, with each participant earning around €43 monthly. The project enhances resilience and community well-being, with growing demand pointing to hydroponics as a scalable, climate-smart solution across Somalia.
Read full story: DW
Date Published: July 9, 2025
Global News
EU Drops Controversial Plan to Divert Farm Funds to Defence Amid Backlash
The European Commission has scrapped a proposal to redirect Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds towards defence and other priorities following fierce resistance from farmers and EU agriculture ministers. The reform would have merged CAP with cohesion funds into a flexible spending pool, echoing the COVID-19 recovery model. Despite growing financial pressures, including €30 billion in annual pandemic loan repayments, the CAP will remain a standalone budget pillar from 2028 to 2034. While this marks a win for farming lobbies, budget cuts of up to 25% are still possible, raising concerns about future support for Europe’s rural and agricultural sectors.
Read full story: UKr Agro Consultant
Date Published: July 8, 2025
Malaysia and Singapore Unveil One of Region’s Largest Smart Vertical Farms
FarmByte and Singapore-based Archisen have launched a 52,000-square-foot indoor vertical farm in Johor Bahru, one of Malaysia’s largest, under their joint venture FarmByte Archisen Sdn. Bhd. Using advanced Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA), the high-tech farm produces 306,000 kg of leafy greens annually, contributing to both Malaysia’s National Food Security Policy and Singapore’s '30 by 30' initiative. Fully automated irrigation, sensor networks, and a modular design enable year-round, pesticide-free production and decentralised farming close to consumers. The project exemplifies growing cross-border cooperation under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and highlights sustainable, tech-driven food resilience in Southeast Asia.
Read full story: Vertical Farm Daily
Date Published: July 8, 2025
China’s Summer Wheat Harvest Accelerated by Smart Farming Technologies
China has rapidly completed its summer wheat harvest, driven by advanced agricultural machinery and technology despite challenging weather. Over 800,000 combine harvesters were deployed nationwide, with new models boosting efficiency by over 30% compared to five years ago. Precision planting guided by Beidou satellite systems, unmanned smart planters, and drones for crop management further enhanced operations. Provinces like Henan and Shanxi showcased high adoption of automated equipment, completing harvests ahead of schedule. Emergency responses, such as mass deployment of grain dryers during heavy rains, helped prevent spoilage. These developments reflect China’s broader strategy for food security and sustainable agriculture.
Source: UKr Agro Consultant
Date Published: July 9, 2025
New Coffee Plantations Emerge Amid Record Prices, But Supply Relief Still Years Away
Record-high global coffee prices have triggered a wave of new coffee plantation development, according to the International Coffee Organisation (ICO). Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira stated that these plantations could begin contributing to global supply within three years, provided weather conditions remain favourable. The announcement, made at a Brazilian coffee event hosted by Cecafe, comes after years of supply shortages caused by extreme weather and production deficits. While the exact locations of the new farms remain unspecified, the potential for improved output hinges on climate stability in key producing nations such as Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam.
Read full story: Global Coffee Report
Date Published: July 9, 2025
