South African News
Toxic Spill Turns Limpopo River Green, Threatens Farmers’ Livelihoods
A suspected industrial spill has turned the Limpopo River an alarming green, triggering widespread concern among farmers and environmental authorities. Agri Limpopo warns that without swift intervention, the pollution could devastate farms, food production, and the region’s economy. The contamination, initially believed to have originated near Zimbabwe, is now thought to have spread from further upstream. Farmers report a pungent odour and are calling for a transparent investigation and urgent government action. The Department of Water and Sanitation confirms a growing water crisis, with satellite imagery revealing similar pollution in other rivers across Limpopo and neighbouring provinces.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: July 28, 2025
South African Goat Breeds Set Global Benchmark for Meat Quality
South Africa’s Boer, Savanna, and Kalahari Red goats are outperforming global counterparts in meat production, thanks to their superior carcass quality, rapid growth, and adaptability to harsh environments. Chantelle Smit of the SA Boer Goat Breeders’ Association highlights their efficient grazing habits, disease resistance, and fertility as key advantages. Unlike many international breeds focused on milk production or multipurpose traits, South African goats are bred intensively for meat, yielding high returns with relatively low input. The Boer goat has become the global gold standard, while Kalahari Reds and Savannas are gaining international recognition for their quality and hardiness.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 27, 2025
African News
Rwanda and Tanzania Strengthen Ties with New Deals on Agriculture and Port Services
Rwanda and Tanzania have signed two key agreements to boost cooperation in agriculture and streamline logistics through Tanzanian ports. The deals, concluded during the 16th Joint Permanent Commission session in Kigali on 26 July, include the creation of a Tanzania Ports Liaison Office in Rwanda’s capital. This office will enhance efficiency for Rwandan trade via the Dar es Salaam port, which handles over 70% of the country’s international commerce. Ministers from both nations emphasised the strategic value of deepening bilateral ties, and proposed forming a joint technical committee to address trade and transport challenges affecting cross-border business.
Read full story: Anewz
Date Published: July 27, 2025
Global News
Agrivoltaics Boost Profitability and Sustainability on Auckland Farm
Waitangi Farm near Waiuku, south of Auckland, has increased profitability and sustainability by combining livestock farming with solar energy production. Nigel and Merrin Upchurch introduced agrivoltaics—grazing pigs and young cattle beneath over 3,000 solar panels—on their 48-hectare property. The panels, installed by Lightyears Solar, generate enough power for 600–700 homes and offer shelter to livestock, while also reducing water evaporation. The couple aim to minimise external inputs and move towards carbon neutrality, using food scraps and woodchips to enrich the soil. This dual-use approach has made their solar-grazing area the most profitable part of the farm.
Read full story: Farner’s Weekly
Date Published: July 28, 2025
EU and US Finalise Landmark Trade Deal to Avert Tariff Crisis
The European Union and the United States have reached a major trade agreement just days before a threatened 30% tariff hike on EU goods was set to take effect on 1 August. The deal, struck during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland, stabilises tariffs at a 15% baseline across most sectors, including cars, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Key elements include EU commitments to purchase $750 billion in US energy and invest an additional $600 billion. Irish leaders welcomed the agreement, which brings predictability to a vital transatlantic trade relationship.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: July 27, 2025
India Unveils Seven-Pillar Strategy to Double Farmer Incomes by 2026
India’s Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has detailed a comprehensive seven-pillar strategy aimed at doubling farmers’ incomes by 2026. The approach targets enhanced productivity, high-value crop diversification, efficient resource use, and improved market access. Central to this is a reinforced Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime, bolstered by schemes like PM-AASHA, ensuring price stability through procurement and direct payments. Additionally, the government is expanding digital agriculture infrastructure via initiatives such as AgriStack, and investing in post-harvest facilities under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. With fiscal support growing nearly six-fold since 2013–14, Delhi's plan signals a shift from vision to large-scale execution.
Read full story: Agrospectrum India
Date Published: July 25, 2025
New Zealand Farmers Battle Pine Forest Expansion Amid Carbon Offset Push
Sheep farmers in New Zealand are protesting the rapid conversion of pastureland into pine forests, incentivised by carbon offset subsidies under the country’s emissions trading scheme. Although a government moratorium on new conversions took effect in December 2024, farmers allege forestry firms continue acquiring and planting land, threatening rural livelihoods. Sheep numbers have plummeted from 70 million in the 1980s to 23 million today, exacerbated by climate policy pressures. Farmers argue that productive farmland is being lost, local economies are shrinking, and communities are becoming isolated. The government plans to introduce legal reforms by October to tighten enforcement.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: July 27, 2025
