South African News
Agriculture Minister Unveils New Strategies to Combat Rural Crime in South Africa
The agriculture minister has announced a multi-pronged strategy to tackle rural crime, particularly stock theft, across South Africa. Addressing a parliamentary question, he detailed the Department of Agriculture’s collaborative role with the police and other agencies. Measures include enhancing the Rural Safety Strategy, implementing animal identification reforms using biometric and DNA technologies, and launching farmer awareness campaigns. The department is also investing in research, legislative reform, and institutional strengthening to improve traceability and secure prosecutions. The minister emphasised the importance of rural safety for food security, investor confidence, and agricultural sustainability.
Read full story: Cape Angus
Date Published: July 14, 2025
Global Goat Meat Demand Surges, But Supply Falls Short
Global demand for goat meat is rising steadily, fuelled by health trends, cultural practices, and religious observance. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, global goat meat trade has grown by 1.76% annually over the past five years, with the UAE, US, and South Korea leading as importers. Australia remains the world’s largest exporter, followed by Kenya and Ethiopia. In South Africa, however, domestic demand far exceeds supply, particularly due to strong informal market demand for ceremonial use. This limits both retail availability and export potential. Experts stress the need for marketing and education to expand consumer interest and cooking knowledge beyond traditional communities.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: July 15, 2025
African News
Hope Takes Root in DRC as Emergency Food Project Revitalises Rural Farming
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Emergency Food Production Project (PURPA), led by the African Development Bank, is transforming agriculture in provinces such as Kwilu, Kasai, and Tshopo. Through large-scale distribution of seeds, fertiliser, and training, over 49,000 farming households—mainly women—have improved yields and food security. Enhanced local seed production and agricultural research, combined with targeted education programmes, are boosting resilience, incomes, and market access. The initiative is reversing rural exodus trends and sowing long-term sustainability. For many, farming has evolved from subsistence to a path of economic opportunity, resilience, and development.
Read full story: African Development Bank Group
Date Published: July 14, 2025
Global News
Agricultural Aviation Takes Flight at Upcoming Mercosur Congress in Argentina
The 33rd Mercosur Agricultural Aviation Congress will take place on July 21–22, 2025, during the Palermo Rural Expo in Buenos Aires. Organised by FeArCA with support from regional and international aviation bodies, the event will spotlight the strategic role of agricultural aircraft in crop protection, firefighting, pest control, and environmental sustainability. Key topics include aerial seeding, technological innovation, and public policy. Experts, technicians, and policymakers will explore how aviation enhances production efficiency and supports rural-urban integration. A keynote on phytosanitary products by Dr Fernando Manera will headline the congress, reinforcing evidence-based agricultural practices.
Read full story: Revista Chacra
Date Published: July 14, 2025
Canadian Senator Urges Swift Action to Protect Nation’s Degrading Soils
Senator Rob Black has marked the first anniversary of the Soil at Risk: Canada’s Eroding Future report by urging the newly elected Carney government to prioritise soil preservation. The Senate report, based on 18 months of research and international farm visits, highlights ongoing soil degradation issues first raised in 1984. Black emphasises the urgency of implementing regenerative farming practices and calls for greater incentives and support for farmers. With 22 recommendations partially backed by the former Trudeau government, he now seeks broader commitment from current officials to address the crisis, warning: “We do not have another 40 years.”
Read full story: Farmers Forum
Date Published: July 15, 2025
Malaysia to Launch National Seed Council to Curb Industry Monopoly
Malaysia will soon establish a National Seed Council to regulate the seed industry and prevent monopolies by companies or foreign countries, announced Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The council, now in its final evaluation phase, will oversee plant and livestock seed management and introduce a national repository system to secure local seed varieties. This move follows concerns over Malaysia’s reliance on imports, with 90% of vegetable and watermelon seeds sourced abroad. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) will lead the National Seed Hub initiative, supported by a council of experts.
Read full story: The Edge Malaysia
Date Published: July 14, 2025
Genome Breakthrough in NZ Vines Aims to Slash Chemical Use in Viticulture
A pioneering genome study in Canterbury, New Zealand, aims to drastically cut fungicide use in vineyards by developing naturally disease-resistant grapevines. Led by Lincoln University researchers using the MGI DNBSEQ-G400 genome sequencer, the project could reduce chemical sprays by up to 80%, saving millions and improving environmental sustainability. The study responds to climate-driven disease pressures affecting NZ’s $2.1 billion wine export industry. Beyond improving viticulture, the initiative could influence wider crop research. A commercial venture is now in development to make large-scale genomic testing accessible to farmers nationwide.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: July 15, 2025
