South African News
Agri-Tech Start-Ups Offer South Africa’s Small Farmers a New Route to Market
South Africa’s agriculture sector, vital for national food security and employment, is facing increasing market concentration, making it harder for small and emerging farmers to thrive. Agri-tech start-ups like AgriKool and Khula are addressing this by using a sharing economy model to connect farmers directly with buyers. Acting as agricultural agents, they provide access to transport, storage, and logistics infrastructure, allowing producers to focus on growing food while platforms handle sales and distribution. This model not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainability and efficiency, offering a promising future for small-scale farming in South Africa.
Read full story: Mail and Guardian
Date Published: July 24, 2024
Gluten-Free Innovation Offers New Profits for South Africa’s Potato Farmers
South Africa discards approximately 140,000 tonnes of potatoes annually due to cosmetic imperfections, costing the industry around R759 million. At Potatoes SA’s Innovation Symposium, researchers highlighted how upcycling these lower-grade potatoes into gluten-free and sustainable products could boost farmer margins. Food scientists developed gluten-free meals and baked goods using reformulated potato flour, while consumer testing revealed strong support, particularly when sustainability benefits were explained. Other innovations included a potato-based ice cream, toaster-ready pies, and even using surplus potatoes to grow edible insects for protein. These developments reflect a growing demand for eco-conscious, gluten-free convenience foods.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 23, 2025
African News
Nigeria Backs Agrivoltaics to Tackle Food and Energy Insecurity
The Nigerian Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting agrivoltaic farming—growing crops beneath solar panels—as a dual solution to the nation’s food and energy challenges. Speaking at the International Agrivoltaics Workshop in Abuja, Minister Uche Nnaji, represented by Dr Ezebuiro Christ Peace, highlighted agrivoltaics as a climate-smart innovation that improves land use, enhances crop yields, and boosts off-grid solar access in rural areas. The event also saw the launch of Democratising the Sun, a book emphasising the need for inclusive access to solar energy. The initiative supports Nigeria’s broader strategy for green industrialisation and sustainable development.
Read full story: Punch Newspapers
Date Published: July 23, 2025
Global News
Greece Faces Steep Agricultural Losses as Climate Change Escalates EU Risks
Climate-related risks cost the EU €28 billion annually in agricultural losses, with drought responsible for over half, according to Morgan Stanley. Greece, whose agricultural sector contributes 3.3% to GDP, is particularly vulnerable, losing €2.6 billion yearly due to drought—a figure expected to rise to €3.7 billion by 2050. Though agriculture makes up just 1.65% of EU GDP, Southern and Eastern member states face disproportionate impacts. Crop and livestock sectors are especially affected, with losses projected to reach €40 billion across the bloc by mid-century. The economic and employment implications are particularly severe for nations like Greece, where 11.5% of the workforce depends on farming.
Read full story: Ekathimerini
Date Published: July 24, 2025
Malaysia Charts Sustainable Path to Food Security Ahead of World Food Day 2025
As Malaysia prepares to host World Food Day 2025, the government is advancing policies to strengthen food security through sustainability and innovation. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced a new padi floor price of RM1,500 per metric tonne and RM500 in subsidies, alongside measures to stabilise rice prices. Despite progress in the Global Food Security Index, Malaysia remains reliant on food imports and struggles with high food waste—over 16,000 tonnes daily. Experts urge investment in climate-resilient crops, smart farming, and youth empowerment to future-proof agriculture. Tackling food waste and supporting local produce are also key to building a resilient, self-sufficient food system.
Read full story: New Straits Times
Date Published: July 24, 2025
Global Farmers Rally Behind Regenerative Agriculture Declaration
Over 1,000 farmers from more than 60 countries have signed the Regenerative Agriculture: A Farmers’ Declaration, a global initiative led by the Global Farmer Network (GFN) to champion soil health, biodiversity, and rural prosperity. Unlike top-down mandates, the declaration was crafted by farmers from five continents, prioritising local adaptability, scientific knowledge, and traditional practices. It emphasises shared outcomes—improved soil, water protection, and resilient communities—while encouraging collaboration and farmer-led innovation. The declaration avoids rigid definitions, focusing instead on practical principles tailored to each region. GFN urges wider participation to support sustainable agriculture and global farming solidarity.
Read full story: Farms.com
Date Published: July 23, 2025
New Zealand to Host Global Precision Dairy Farming Conference in December 2025
New Zealand will host the 4th International Precision Dairy Farming Conference in Christchurch this December, marking its first time leading the global event. Organised by DairyNZ with key research and industry partners, the three-day conference will gather experts from 24 countries to explore how precision technologies are transforming dairy farming. Featuring farm tours, 120 research submissions, and panels on practical adoption, the event bridges science and on-farm reality. Topics include AI, sensor tech, and data-driven decision-making, with keynote speakers from the UK, US, and Netherlands. The conference aims to support sustainable productivity, animal welfare, and environmental outcomes.
Read full story: Dairy News NZ
Date Published: July 24, 2025
