South African News
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Hits Free State Commercial Farm Amid National Surge
A new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed on a commercial farm near Kroonstad in the Free State, making it the sixth province in South Africa to report cases. The affected farm was quarantined on 8 July, with control measures promptly enforced. Authorities are monitoring farms within a 10km radius, while livestock stakeholders are urged to bolster biosecurity. With 270 FMD outbreaks nationally—most in KwaZulu-Natal—the livestock sector faces mounting economic pressure. The government has acquired 900,000 vaccine doses, yet only limited vaccination has begun at major feedlots such as Karan Beef’s Heidelberg site.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 15, 2025
Gauteng Unveils R100 Million Fund to Empower Black-Owned Agro-Processing Enterprises
Gauteng has launched a R100 million blended finance fund to boost the agro-processing sector, a key contributor of over R78 billion to the province’s economy. Announced at the 2025 Agro-Processing Convention and Expo, the initiative—jointly spearheaded by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and the National Empowerment Fund—offers 30% grant and 70% debt support to black-owned businesses in six value chains: grain, horticulture, poultry, red meat, cannabis, and aquaculture. With 188 applications received so far, the fund also provides technical assistance, pre-investment support, and market access to help build an inclusive, export-ready agricultural economy.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: July 16, 2025
African News
Morocco Expands Desalination Efforts to Combat Historic Drought and Water Crisis
Morocco is accelerating its desalination programme and overhauling water policies to address the country’s worst drought in decades. With rainfall levels dropping for six consecutive years and dam reserves plummeting, the nation faces mounting food inflation and agricultural decline. Desalination now anchors Morocco’s water strategy, with 17 plants operating and more underway to boost annual capacity to 1.7 billion cubic metres by 2030. However, high costs limit its accessibility for small-scale farmers. The government is also restricting water-intensive crops and investing in water transfers and renewable energy infrastructure, aiming to balance economic needs, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
Read full story: Fanack Water
Date Published: July 15, 2025
Global News
Von der Leyen’s EU Farm Subsidy Shake-Up Pushes Burden to National Governments
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is proposing major reforms to the EU’s post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), shifting political responsibility for farm subsidies from Brussels to national capitals. Under a leaked draft, agriculture funding will be folded into broader national budgets, forcing member states to decide how support is allocated under tighter constraints. While core CAP funding remains intact for now, future cuts of up to 25% are expected. Critics argue the reform risks creating fragmented farming systems across the bloc and weakening support for farmers, with protests looming ahead of the Commission’s official proposal announcement.
Read full story: POLITICO
Date Published: July 14, 2025
Argentina Embraces Water Buffalo as Sustainable, Healthy Beef Alternative
Argentina, renowned for its beef culture, is witnessing a quiet transformation as water buffalo farming gains popularity. Originally introduced for comparative trials in 2001, water buffalo now number over 200,000 nationwide, thriving particularly in the Paraná Delta’s wetlands. Valued for their lean, protein-rich meat and low environmental impact, buffaloes offer a sustainable alternative to traditional cattle. Top chefs, including Mauro Colagreco, are championing its culinary potential, while producers highlight its role in biodiversity and rural community support. Although still a niche market, buffalo meat is increasingly accepted by health-conscious and environmentally aware Argentine consumers.
Read full story: Worldcrunch
Date Published: July 15, 2025
Karnataka Harnesses AI to Revolutionise Farming and Raise Rural Incomes
The Karnataka government is launching AI-based Agri Service Centres across the state to enhance farmers' income and modernise agriculture. These centres will deliver precise, data-driven advice tailored to soil quality, weather patterns, and market trends, helping farmers make informed crop choices and improve yields. A dedicated expert committee will guide the selection of high-value crops suited to each region. Pilot initiatives will begin in districts like Mysuru and Raichur, focusing on paddy cultivation. With AI providing insights on climate conditions and price fluctuations, Karnataka aims to position itself at the forefront of agricultural innovation in India.
Read full story: OneIndia
Date Published: July 16, 2025
Crushed Volcanic Rock Could Revolutionise Aussie Farming and Cut Carbon Emissions
Crushed basalt, a low-cost byproduct from Australian quarries, may offer a breakthrough in farming and climate mitigation. A trial led by Dr Binoy Sarkar at the University of South Australia explores how spreading basalt on fields can reduce soil acidity, enhance crop yields, and absorb carbon dioxide. Unlike traditional lime, which is costly and emissions-intensive, basalt naturally improves soil while sequestering carbon. The initiative, in partnership with James Cook University and Carbonaught Pty Ltd, could cut fertiliser use, boost farm profits, and enable carbon credit trading — offering major gains for both agriculture and the environment.
Read full story: MSN
Date Published: July 15, 2025
