South African News
South African Agriculture Faces Crisis as US Tariff Deadline Looms
With just one day remaining before a 30% US import tariff comes into effect on 1 August, South Africa’s citrus, wine, and table grape sectors face severe disruption. Industry leaders have warned of significant losses in export volumes, job cuts, and long-term damage to competitiveness - particularly in rural areas reliant on agricultural employment. Despite attempts to secure a favourable trade agreement, both US and South African authorities have remained silent, leaving stakeholders in uncertainty. The wine industry alone exports approximately R660 million worth of product to the US annually, now under direct threat.
Read full story: Wine.co.za
Date Published: July 30, 2025
South Africa Pilots Biodegradable Mulch to Boost Sustainable Farming
A South African pineapple farm in the Eastern Cape is trialling biodegradable mulch films as part of a government-backed push toward sustainable agriculture. Led by the CSIR and funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the initiative aims to replace traditional plastic mulch with eco-friendly alternatives that decompose naturally after use. The formulations, tailored for various crop durations, are made with locally sourced natural materials. These innovations support South Africa’s circular economy goals while improving soil health and crop yields. Scaling and farmer education are key next steps to drive broader adoption.
Read full story: Energy Capital and Power
Date Published: July 29, 2025
African News
Support for African Farmers Crucial as Climate Resilient Practices Show Promise
Smallholder farmers across Africa are innovating to adapt to climate change through methods like agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and integrated crop-livestock systems. These low-cost, environmentally friendly techniques have boosted yields and restored degraded land, yet remain underfunded and unevenly adopted due to limited resources, insecure land tenure, and gender-based exclusion. International climate projects often fail by ignoring local knowledge. With South Africa currently holding the G20 presidency, experts urge global leaders to prioritise inclusive, locally driven solutions, scale up funding, and support region-specific agricultural research to ensure a just, climate-resilient transformation of African food systems.
Read full story: Down to Earth
Date Published: July 29, 2025
Global News
Australian Wheat Farmers Beat the Heat with Soil and Seed Innovation
Despite facing declining rainfall and poor soil quality, Australian wheat farmers have doubled their yields since 2015, thanks to a mix of cutting-edge seed technology, deep soil re-engineering, and efficient water-use practices. Innovations like no-till farming, soil ripping, and early sowing have transformed Western Australia's marginal lands into globally significant wheat-producing areas. With minimal subsidies and a strong research-farmer partnership, Australia now exports over 20 million tonnes of wheat annually. These techniques are drawing global attention, offering a potential model for agriculture in other drought-prone regions.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: July 29, 2025
Centre Allocates ₹10.76 Crore to Promote Organic Farming in Assam’s Hill Districts
The Indian government has intensified its support for organic agriculture in Assam’s tribal hill regions, allocating ₹10.76 crore under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). This initiative targets Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts, where two Farmer-Producer Companies (FPCs) have been formed in each district, covering 1,000 hectares apiece. The programme, benefiting 2,000 farmers, offers comprehensive assistance from production to market access, including up to ₹46,500 per hectare over three years. Certification and export-readiness are ensured through collaboration with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), bolstering sustainable farming in the region.
Read full story: India Today NE
Date Published: July 29, 2025
Argentina to Resume Corn Exports to China with First Shipment Since 2023 Approval
Argentina will send its first shipment of corn to China next month following Beijing's approval of imports in 2023. The Association of Argentine Cooperatives (ACA) will export 24,718 metric tons from Quequén port aboard the vessel CANADA EXPRESS, scheduled to depart on August 15. This marks a pivotal step in Argentina’s trade relationship with China, offering Chinese buyers access to one of the world’s largest corn producers. Although China also authorised two genetically modified (GMO) corn varieties last year, none have been exported yet. The move is expected to deepen trade ties and benefit Argentine farmers and exporters.
Read full story: Ukr Agro Consult
Date Published: July 30, 2025
China Unveils Plan to Modernise Farm Product Access and Drive Domestic Demand
China has introduced a 23-point plan aimed at boosting agricultural product consumption by improving supply chains, enhancing food quality, and adapting to changing consumer demands. Jointly released by 10 government bodies, the initiative promotes regional specialities, convenience-focused foods, and green, organic offerings. The plan encourages interactive retail experiences, dietary education, and integration of agriculture with tourism and culture. Over 36,000 green and specialty products have been certified since 2021, with last year’s green food sales surpassing 609.8 billion yuan. The strategy also includes grading systems for premium foods and expanding promotional activities in both urban and rural settings.
Read full story: China Daily
Date Published: July 30, 2025
