South African News
Global Trade Turmoil to Push Fertiliser Prices Higher This Summer
Farmers have been urged to brace for increased fertiliser prices during the upcoming summer planting season due to ongoing global trade disruptions. According to the World Bank, China’s export restrictions on nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers, along with sanctions on Russia and Belarus, have severely limited global supply. Urea prices are expected to rise by 15% in 2025, with other fertiliser types also seeing price hikes. South African farmers, who rely heavily on imports, are particularly vulnerable. Although fertiliser prices remain lower than 2022/23 peaks, they are still well above pre-pandemic levels. A stronger rand may offer slight relief.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 20, 2025
Kwanalu Calls for Disaster Declaration as Foot and Mouth Disease Crisis Deepens in KZN
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) has intensified calls for the province to be declared a disaster area amid a worsening Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. The disease threatens both commercial farms and rural households that depend on livestock. Kwanalu is urging government action, including mobile permits, veterinary support, and education in local languages. The Department of Agriculture is rolling out free vaccines, but enforcement of movement restrictions remains weak. A national FMD Indaba is planned to develop long-term strategies. Experts warn the outbreak endangers South Africa’s red meat industry and overall agricultural economy.
Read full story:Independent Online (IOL)
Date Published:July 20, 2025
African News
Sudan’s Sorghum Industry Revitalised Through FAO’s Global Agricultural Initiative
Sudan has officially joined the FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, designating sorghum as its Special Agricultural Product. As a drought-tolerant and nutrient-rich staple, sorghum has sustained Sudanese communities for millennia and remains central to food security for over 40 million people. Amidst a devastating conflict that has crippled agriculture and pushed nearly half the population into severe food insecurity, this move is set to transform Sudan’s sorghum value chain. FAO is also distributing sorghum seeds to support recovery. The initiative will enhance value-addition, introduce climate-resilient varieties, and foster sustainable agricultural innovation.
Read full story:FAO
Date Published:July 20, 2025
Global News
France to Build 300 Cage-Free Egg Farms Amid Soaring Demand and Animal Welfare Concerns
France, the EU’s top egg producer, has unveiled a €300 million plan to build 300 new cage-free hen farms by 2030 in response to rising demand for affordable protein. Egg consumption has surged due to inflation, with French consumers now eating a record 240 eggs per person annually. Imports, particularly from Ukraine, have increased to meet demand but raised concerns over lower animal welfare standards. While the French government supports easing farm development regulations, animal rights groups warn that expansion must not compromise welfare gains. France currently produces 81.7% of its eggs in non-cage systems.
Read full story: RFI
Date Published:July 20, 2025
New Zealand Dairy Sector Focuses on Animal Comfort and Welfare to Stay Globally Competitive
As global standards for animal welfare rise, New Zealand's dairy industry is prioritising cow comfort and the ethical use of non-replacement calves. DairyNZ's Enhanced Animal Care programme highlights the importance of managing heat stress in outdoor systems—a key competitive advantage—through research, sensors, and practical mitigation strategies. The initiative also seeks to better utilise non-replacement calves within dairy and beef value chains. With growing recognition of animal sentience and customer expectations shifting, the industry is aligning with welfare frameworks like the Five Domains to ensure long-term sustainability, trade access, and a positive global reputation.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published:July 21, 2025
B.C. Farm Stands Thrive as Demand Grows for Local, Seasonal Produce
Driven by a growing appetite for fresh, local food, more British Columbian farms are turning to direct-to-consumer sales via roadside stands, farm stores, and U-pick operations. Around 30% of B.C. farms now rely partly on such sales, with produce like berries, eggs, flowers, and vegetables especially popular. Post-pandemic food security concerns and a desire for seasonal, meaningful purchases have fuelled the trend. Farm stands also offer community connections and learning opportunities for families. However, inconsistent regulations and zoning challenges remain a barrier for some. Advocates say these local outlets are crucial to strengthening regional food systems.
Read full story: The Vancouver Sun
Date Published:July 20, 2025
Farmers ‘Tormented’ by Inheritance Tax Plans, NFU Cymru Warns Starmer
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, urging changes to planned inheritance tax reforms that he says are causing distress among Welsh farming families. Under the proposals, set to take effect in April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth over £1 million would be taxed at 20%. Jones argues the measures will impact far more than the 500 farms estimated by the Treasury, placing a significant financial burden on older farmers and their families. The UK government defends the plan as “fair and balanced,” noting most estates will remain unaffected.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published:July 20, 2025
